3/J^ 


S(»c(1os 


SAINT    PETER'S    CHURCH 
IN  THE  CITY  OF  ALBANY 


i 


^lorpotiik.feis  of  ^i]K'icrsi  lllnirfk_  'ilbnuu. 


H  Ibtstor^ 


of 


Saint   IPeter's  Cburcb 
in  the  Citip  of  Hlban^ 


B?  tbc  lRe».  3osepb  Ibooper,  fiD.  H. 

Sometime  IRegisttar  of  tbc  Biocesc  of  Hlban^ 
Xectucer  upon  Hmericaii  Cburcb  Ibietots 
36erl;clC8  EHvlnlts  Scbool,  flMSSIetown,  Conn. 


"ODIltb  an  f  ntroOuctlon  anO  Dcacrlptfon  or  tbe  present  EOfflce 
anO  Its  Memorials  bg 


XCbe  IRev.  Malton  "CCl.  IBattersball,  2).  2). 

■Kcctot  of  Saint  Peter's  ffbuccb 


^ort  Orange  press 

IranSow  printing  Company 

HIbans,  «.  JJ. 

1000 


Letter-press  edition  limited  to  five  liundred  copies 


Copyright,  1898 

by 

Brandow   Printing  Company 


IPott  Grange  pxcee,  Blbanig 


CONTENTS 

r^  .  PAGE 

Chapter    1 

Explorations  and  Early  Church  Work   .  .17 

Chapter   II 

The  Mohawk  Missionary  in  Albany  .  -jj 

Chapter   III 

Building  of  the  First  St.  Peter's  Church         .      46 

Chapter   IV 

Church  Work  at  Albany  and  Fort  Hunter  66 

Chapter  V 

Period  of  the  French  War  .  .  .  •      8c 

Chapter  VI 

End  of  the  Colonial  Period     .  .  .  109 

Chapter  VII 

Reorganization  of  the  Parish  .  .  .129 


6  Contents 

PAGE 

Chapter  VIII 

Building  of  the  Second  Church  Edifice      .        165 

Chapter  IX 

Parish  Controversies     .  .  .  .  .187 

Chapter  X 

Rectorship  of  Dr.  Lacey  .  .  .        223 

Chapter  XI 

Rectorship  of  Dr.  Horatio  Potter  .  .    253 

Chapter  XII 

Building  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's  Church  306 

Chapter  XIII 

Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany      .        339 

Chapter  XIV 

The  Present  Rectorship         ....   375 

Chapter  XV 

Description  of  the  Edifice  and  Memorials         449 

Appendix       .......       485 


ILLUSTRATIONS 

r^  A  ^        ^  „  PAGE 

1.  Corporate    Arms     of    St.    Peter's     Church, 

Frontispiece 

2.  Queen  Anne  Communion  Plate,   17 12  .  54 

3.  Land  Patent  with  Oueen  Anne  Seal,    1714  56 

4.  The  first  St.  Peter's,   from  an  old  print  .        60 

5.  The  Rev.  Henry  Barclay,  D.  D.,  from  plate 

belonging  to   the   Corporation  of  Trinity 
Church,  New  York  •  ...        76 

6.  The  Rev.  John  Ogilvie,  D.D.,  from  painting 
in  Vestry  Room  of  Trinity  Church,  New 


York 


88 


7.  Page    of    "The    Church    Book"    indicating 

Lord  Howe's  Sepulture  ...        96 

8.  The  Rev.  Thomas  Brown,  from  painting  in 

Vestry  Room      .  .  .  .  .  jog 

9.  Charter  of    Incorporation   with    George    III 

Seal.      1769 116 

10.  The    Rev.    Thomas    Ellison,    from   an    old 

engraving 1^2 

11.  The    Rev.    Frederick   Beasley,    D.D.,    from 

painting  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania      166 

12.  The  Second  St.  Peter's  Church,  exterior       .      168 

13.  The  Second  St.  Peter's  Church,  interior      .        176 

14.  The   Rev.    Timothy   Clowes,   LL.  D.,    from 

painting  in  Vestry  Room  .  .  iqo 


8  Illustrations 


PAGE 


15.  The  Rev.  William  B.  Lacey,  D.D.          .  224 

16.  The  Right  Rev.HoratioPotter,D.D.,LL.D.  302 

17.  The  Rev.  Thomas  Clapp  Pitkin,  D.D.         .  310 

18.  Old  Rectory,  built  i860           .          .          .  320 

19.  The  Third  St.  Peter's  Church,  i860.     Origi- 

nal Interior "  .  .  .  .  .  .328 

20.  The  Rev.  William  T.  Wilson           .          .  332 

21.  The  Rev.  William  Tatlock,  D.D.        .          .  338 

22.  The   Right   Rev.   William   Croswell   Doane, 

D.D.,  LL.D 360 

23.  The  Rev.  William  A.  Snively,  D.D.             .  368 

24.  St.  Peter's  Parish  House          .          .          .  388 

25.  The  Memorial  Tower          ....  392 

26.  The  Memorial  Rectory             .          .          .  436 

27.  The  Rev.  Walton  W.  Battershall,  D.D.       .  442 

28.  St.   Peter's  Church,  Exterior             .          .  450 

29.  St.  Peter's  Church,  Interior          .          .          .  458 
20.  The  Memorial  Altar  and  Reredos    .          .  460 

31.  The  Memorial  Pulpit          ....  464 

32.  The  Memorial  Lectern  ....  466 
22-  The  Memorial  Bas-relief  of  Faith         .          .478 

34.  The  Memorial  Alms  Bason     .          .          .  482 

35.  Diagrams   of  Land    formerly  owned  by   St. 

Peter's  Church,           .            following  page  529 


INTRODUCTION 


'  I  *HE  institutions  that  represent  the  faith  and  worship 
of  men  have  a  tenacity  and  persistence  of  life  which 
are  seldom  attained  by  the  institutions  that  register  the 
varying  phases  of  their  social  and  political  history.  It 
is  a  commonplace,  generally  overlooked,  that  the  Church 
of  England  antedates  the  realm  of  England.  Some  of 
its  parishes  in  fact  have  an  origin  that  lies  in  the  period 
of  the  Saxon  Heptarchy. 

In  this  Republic,  as  in  the  older  lands  across  the  sea, 
which  have  been  the  sources  of  its  composite  life, 
religious  corporations  and  edifices  are  the  most  enduring 
memorials  of  ancient  days.  In  most  instances,  the 
edifices,  either  from  the  growth  or  the  decay  of  the 
community,  have  disappeared;  but,  along  the  eastern 
seaboard,  there  is  here  and  there  an  ecclesiastical 
foundation  which  was  laid  two  centuries  or  more  ago, 
and  which  has  survived  local  vicissitudes  and  held  its 
ground  amid  the  shifting  centres   of  population. 

In  those  early  days  they  who  were  making  history 
were  too  busy  to  write  history.  The  annals  were 
imperfect  and  still  more  imperfectly  preserved.  This 
only  enhances  the  value  of  the  church-records  which 
survive  and  are  accessible.  To  the  general  student, 
the  glimpses   which   they   give   of  the  social  life  of  the 


lo  Introduction 

period  are  not  without  interest;  and  to  those  who 
appreciate  the  sanction  and  the  meaning  of  the  spiritual 
life,  their  registry  of  the  struggle  of  men  who,  with 
meagre  resources  and  in  troublous  times,  laid  the 
foundation-stones  of  structures  which  shelter  that  life,  is 
of  inestimable  value. 

It  is  not  too  much  to  claim  that  this    History   of  St. 
Peter's  Parish,  Albany,  has   at   least   this   interest   and 
value.      For  a  long  period,  when  Albany  in  population 
and   importance  was  second  only   to  the  city   of  New 
York,  the  stone  church  in   the  middle  of   State   street 
under   the   shadow  of  Fort  Frederick  was  the  northern 
and  western  outpost  of  the  Church   of  England  in  the 
Province  of  New  York.     It  was  a  period  which  involved 
political   and  religious   issues   of  the  gravest    character 
and   of  far-reaching  consequence.      In    those   days   the 
supremacy  of  the  Anglo-Saxon  or  the  Latin  on  the  conti- 
nent was  an  open  question.      The  geographical  position 
of  Albany  made  it  a  point  of  exposure  where  the  balance 
hung  in   vibration.      The   little  frontier  town  was  the 
rendezvous    of   personages    and    the    scene    of   events, 
which   in   large   measure   determined   the  issue.      To  a 
considerable  degree  the  issue  depended  upon  the  attitude 
of  the  powerful  tribes  of  the  Iroquois  Confederacy,  and 
their  attitude  more  or  less  depended  upon   the   source, 
Anglican    or    Latin,    from    which   they    received   their 
Christianity. 

St.  Peter's   Church   was   the   radiating  point   of   the 
missionary   work   of   the.  English  among  the  Iroquois. 


Introduction  ii 

It  discharged  a  difficult  duty  at  a  critical  epoch,  and 
the  opening  chapters  of  its  annals  are  quite  as  much 
concerned  with  the  Indians  as  with  the  population  of 
Albany.  Thus  the  parish  was  a  force  in  the  political  his- 
tory of  the  times.  In  its  records  are  found  abundant 
traces  of  the  current  life  both  of  the  colonial  and  the  post- 
revolutionary  period.  These,  however,  are  incidents 
in  the  story  of  a  parish,  which,  in  the  early  days  stood 
for  the  larger  Faith  and  Law  of  Christ  and  which,  amid 
overshadowings  and  mishaps,  maintained  its  life  and 
struggled  into  power. 

It  seemed  desirable  to  exhume  and  preserve  the 
memorials  of  all  this.  Hence  this  history.  The 
investigation  and  recital  of  the  events  were  committed 
to  one  who  had  given  full  proof  of  his  aptitude  and 
accuracy  in  historical  studies,  and  who  brought  a  large 
knowledge  of  American  Church  history  to  the  especial 
study  of  the  documents  in  the  possession,  or  connected 
with  the  history,  of  the  parish. 

The  substance  of  these  documents,  which  for  the 
most  part  have  not  hitherto  been  used  for  historical 
purposes,  has  been  woven  into  a  continuous  narrative, 
which  constitutes  in  fact  the  early  history  of  the  Church 
in  northern  New  York.  This  perhaps  gives  the  chief 
value  to  this  book.  Within  the  circle  which  appreciates 
this  value  (a  circle  of  uncertain  dimensions),  are  those 
who,  while  not  negligent  of  this  larger,  have  yet  a  more 
personal  interest,  born  of  their  associations  with  this 
historic  city  or  of  their  reverence  and  affection   for   the 


12  Introduction 

altar,  before  which  they  habitually  worship,  and  around 
which  cluster  their  spiritual  histories  and  most  sacred 
memories. 

After  a  ministry  of  twenty-five  years  among  the  peo- 
ple of  St.  Peter's,  touching  their  lives  at  those  points 
where  life  takes  in  its  deepest  and  most  hallowed 
experiences,  I  can  fitly  close  the  introduction  of  this 
History  of  the  Parish,  only  with  my  grateful  acknowl- 
edgment of  their  constant  love  and  trust  and  helpful- 
ness in  our  common   work  for  Christ  and  His  Church. 

Walton  W.  Battershall. 
St.  Peter's  Rectory, 

Christmas,  ih 


AUTHOR'S  NOTE 


cr'HIS  history  has  been  the  -pleasant  work  of  many  hours  of 
comparative  leisure.  It  has  grown  from  a  brief  sketch 
to  its  present  form  by  the  desire  to  chronicle  the  events  that 
concern  the  origin  and  growth  of  the  Church  of  England  in 
the  northern  portion  of  the  province  of  New  Tork,  and  the 
development  of  church  life  and  work  in  Albany  since  the 
organization  of  the  American  Church.  In  each  period  the 
author  has  stated  no  fact  without  contemporaneous  document- 
ary evidence. 

In  tracing  the  history  of  the  last  hundred  years,  the 
writer  has  been  aided  by  the  records  in  the  archives  of  St. 
Peter  s,  the  brief  review  of  events  in  convention  journals,  and 
by  gleanings  from  the  periodicals  and  other  sources.  Many 
details  and  illustrative  documents  were  relegated  to  an 
appendix.  These  included  sketches  of  the  missionaries  and 
rectors  of  St.  Peter  s;  letters  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  Barclay 
and  others;  petitions  to  the  Venerable  Propagation  Society  in 
London  ;  the  record  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  Ellison's  negotia- 
tions for  land  exchanges  with  the  City  of  Albany ;  old 
subscription  lists,  memorials  and  other  records  of  interest  and 
value.  The  documents  which  appear  in  the  appendix  could 
not  be  omitted ;  the  remainder  of  the  material  prepared  it 
was  found  impossible  to  include  without  unduly  increasing 
the  size  of  the  volume. 

In  the  story  of  the  recent  past  it  was  found  necessary  to 
adopt  a  stringent  rule,  by  which  the  deaths  only  of  those, 
who  the  time  of  their  decease  were  members  of  the  vestry. 


14  Author's  Note 

are  indicated.  This  will  explain  the  omission  of  many  names 
of  men  and  women  who  were  eminent  in  the  city  and  in  the 
■parish. 

To  all  who  have  aided  the  writer  with  papers.,  books, 
pamphlets  or  suggestions,  sincere  thanks  are  returned.  He 
is  especially  indebted  to  De  Lancey  H.  Barclay,  M.  D.  of 
Baltimore;  Mr.  Edward  F.  De  Lancey,  of  New  York  City; 
Mr.  H.  B.  Lacey  of  Okolona,  Miss.;  Justice  and  Mrs. 
Rufus  W.  Peckham,  of  Albany  and  Washington ;  Mr. 
George  H.  Clowes,  of  Waterbury,  Conn.;  the  late  Dr. 
Homes  and  the  late  Mr.  George  R.  Howell  of  the  New 
York  State  Library ;  and  the  present  authorities  of  that 
library,  particularly  Mr.  Dunkin  V.  R.  Johnston. 

It  is  to  the  ever  ready  cooperation,  courteous  kindness,  and 
assistance  of  his  friend,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Batter  shall,  rector  of 
the  parish,  that  the  fullest  acknowledgement  is  due,  for  with- 
out his  aid  the  work  would  not  have  been  undertaken  or 
completed. 

It  has  been  deemed  unnecessary  to  include  a  list  of  books 
consulted.  The  range  of  reference  was  large  and  comprised 
local,  ecclesiastical  and  general  history,  and  related  topics. 
The  references  in  the  text  indicate  the  chief  sources  of  infor- 
mation. 

Joseph  Hooper. 

December,  i8gg. 


A   HISTORY  OF 

"THE  RECTOR  AND  INHAB- 
ITANTS OF  THE  CITY  OF 
ALBANY  IN  COMMUNION  OF 
THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH  IN  THE  STATE  OF 
NEW  YORK." 

[CORPORATE  TITLE  OF  THE  PARISH  COMMONLY  KNOWN 
AS  ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH  IN  THE  CITy  OF  ALBANY.] 


A   HISTORY 
OF  SAINT  PETER'S   CHURCH 


CHAPTER  I 

EXPLORATIONS  AND  EARLY  CHURCH  WORK 

Henry  Hudson's  Voyage  of  Exploration,  1609. — Mercantile  Ventures 
to  the  Mauritius  River,  1614-1621. — Charter  Granted  by  the  States- 
General  of  Holland  to  the  West  India  Company,  1621. — Settlement 
of  Manhattan  Island,  1626. — Early  Religious  History  of  "  Nieu 
Nederlandt."  —  Rev.  Jonas  Michaelius,  1628.  —  Rev.  Joannes 
Ernestus  Goetwater,  1657. — Settlement  of  Rensselaerwyck,  1630. 
— The  Rev.  Johannes  Megapolensis,  its  first  Minister,  1642. — Sur- 
render of  Nieu  Nederlandt  to  the  Duke  of  York,  1664. — The  Rev. 
Nicolaus  Van  Rensselaer,  the  first  Church  of  England  Clergyman  in 
the  Province,  1674- 1 678. — Chaplaincy  at  the  Fort  of  New  York. 
—The  Rev.  Charles  Wolley,    1678.— The  Rev.  John  Miller,   1692. 

THE  exploration  by  Henry  Hudson  in  1609,  in  a 
vessel  of  the  Dutch  East  India  Company,  of  the 
river  now  bearing  his  name,  opened  new  and  rich  sources 
of  revenue  to  the  enterprising  merchants  of  Holland. 
Immediately  ships  began  to  cross  the  Atlantic,  and 
ascending  the  river  to  a  point  near  the  present  city  ot 
Albany,  bartered  their  cargoes  of  trinkets  for  the  valu- 
able peltries  brought  in  by  the  Indians,  a  traffic  which 
speedily  enriched  the  owners  and  the  masters  of  the 
vessels. 

In  1614  a  company  of  merchants  obtained  the 
exclusive  privilege  of  trading  for  three  years  on  the 
Mauritius  river,  as    it   was  then   called,  and   by    their 


1 8  Saint  Peter's  Church 

agents  a  structure  which  was  both  a  fort  and  trading 
house  was  built  on  Manhattan  Island.  An  old  fort, 
erected  probably  by  the  French  sixty  years  before, 
on  Castle  Island  near  the  head  of  navigation,  was 
rebuilt,  named  Fort  Nassau,  and  an  agent  was  sta- 
tioned there.  The  large  profits  of  the  fur  trade,  and  the 
enthusiastic  accounts  of  the  agreeable  climate  and  fertile 
soil  of  Nieu  Nederlandt  brought  to  Holland  by  the 
captains  and  traders,  induced  some  of  the  prominent  and 
wealthy  merchants  of  Amsterdam  to  organize  a  com- 
pany under  the  name  of  the  West  India  Company.  It 
was  modelled  after  the  successful  East  India  Company, 
with  ample  powers  of  government,  colonization  and 
trade  upon  the  coast  and  interior  of  Africa  and  the 
West  Indies,  of  which  Nieu  Nederlandt  was  sup- 
posed to  be  a  part.  A  charter  was  granted  by  the 
States-General  in  1621,  confirming  and  defining  the 
rights  of  the  company.  One  of  the  chief  objects  of  the 
enterprise  was  the  permanent  settlement  of  Nieu  Neder- 
landt. 

In  March,  1624,  its  first  colony  sailed  for  the 
Mauritius  (now  Hudson)  river.  Thirty  families  of 
Walloons  and  a  few  Dutch  freemen  were  ready  to  make 
homes  for  themselves  on  the  banks  of  the  Rhine  of  the 
new  world.  A  few  families  were  landed  on  Manhattan 
Island  but  the  others  proceeded  up  the  river  and  chose 
for  their  settlement  the  narrow  plain,  sheltered  by  a  hill 
to  the  westward,  where  they  made  for  themselves  rude 
huts  and  laid  the  foundation  of  the  city  of  Albany. 
A  small  fort  was  built  for  protection  from  attacks  of 
hostile  Indians  and  named  Fort  Orange.  The  trading 
post  of  the  West  India  Company  soon  after  was  re- 
moved   from    Castle   Island   to   the   new   town.       The 


Explorations  and  Early  Church  Work  19 

colonists  were  just  In  their  dealings  with  the  Indians 
who  came  to  barter  their  beaver  skins,  and  formed  with 
them  a  friendship  which  was  never  broken.  Both  the 
Mohawks,  the  representatives  of  the  great  Iroquois 
Confederacy,  and  the  Mohicans,  of  the  extensive 
Algonquin  race,  who  lived  on  the  east  of  the  river, 
welcomed  them  with  cordiality,  and  were  eager  to 
exchange  the  results  of  their  winter  hunts  for  the  fire 
arms,  fire  water,  cloth  and  trinkets  offered  them  by  the 
traders. 

The  situation  of  the  new  town  was  well  chosen. 
Connected  by  convenient  water  ways  with  Canada  and 
the  great  lakes,  it  had  been  from  time  immemorial  a 
favorite  place  for  Indian  councils.  With  keen  sagacity 
the  Hollanders  recognized  the  advantage  of  the  site  and 
perceived  that  it  was  indeed,  as  has  been  said,  "  the  key 
of  the  continent."  The  settlement  was  fairly  prosper- 
ous. Seven  years  after,  Kiliaen  Van  Rensselaer  estab- 
lished his  colony  of  Rensselaerwyck  immediately  to  the 
north  of  Fort  Orange,  or  Beverwyck,  on  a  portion  of 
his  extensive  estate.  This  he  had  acquired  by  purchase 
from  the  Indians,  and  by  a  grant  from  the  West  India 
Company,  under  their  new  scheme  of  colonization  by 
the  erection  of  manors  whose  lords  were  to  be  called 
patroons.^ 


'In  1629  the  West  India  Company  devised  a  new  plan  for  the  colo- 
nization of  Nieu  Nederlandt.  The  country  was  to  be  divided  into 
manors  and  granted  to  persons  who  were  to  be  called  Patroons  or 
Patrons.  The  scheme  was  approved  on  June  7th,  1629,  by  the 
assembly  of  nineteen  representatives  and  duly  ratified  by  the  States- 
General.  To  entitle  one  to  become  a  Patroon  he  must  inform  the 
Company  that  he  intended  to  send  a  colony  to  Nieu  Nederlandt,  and 
within  four  years  have  settled  upon  his  estate  fifty  persons  over  fifteen 
years  of  age.      He  could  choose  such  land  as  he  desired,    "  extending 


20  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The  first  settlers  of  Nieu  Nederlandt  were  French 
Protestants,  Walloons  from  Belgium,  and  members  of 
the  Reformed  Church  of  Holland.  They  were  strict 
Calvinists  and  firmly  held  to  the  doctrines  set  forth  by 
the  Synod  of  Dort  in  1619.  The  first  formal  organi- 
zation of  a  church  was  in  1628,  when  the  Rev.  Jonas 
Michaelius  arrived  at  the  "island  of  Manhatas"  in  the 
early  summer.  He  was  an  untiring  worker  and  minis- 
tered to  the  little  settlement  at  the  mouth  of  the  river. 
At  frequent  intervals  he  held  services  in  French  for 
the  Walloons  and  Huguenots,  and  celebrated  for  them 
the  Holy  Communion.  In  his  regular  ministra- 
tions to  the  Dutch,  he  preached  to  a  large  number,  and 
over  fifty  partook  of  the  Lord's  Supper  every  four 
months. 

It  was  among  the  chartered  provisions  of  the  West 
India  Company  that  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch 
Church  should  be  established  and  a  school  master 
appointed  in  every  town.  No  church  building  was 
erected  in  New  Amsterdam  until  1633,  when  a  small 
chapel  was  built  in  which  all  the  townspeople,  of  whom 
at    least    one    fourth    were    French    Huguenots,   wor- 


four  Dutch  or  twelve  English  miles  along  one  side  of  a  navigable  river, 
or  two  Dutch  or  six  English  miles  along  both  sides  of  it,"  and  as  far 
inland  "as  the  situation  of  the  occupiers  would  permit."  The 
Patroons  had  privileges  of  trading  not  only  with  the  Indians  but  also 
along  the  Atlantic  coast.  They  had  exclusive  jurisdiction  and  power 
to  create  courts  of  justice,  in  which,  however,  judgements  above  fifty 
guilders  were  entitled  to  an  appeal  to  the  Director  and  Council  ot 
Nieu  Nederlandt.  When  they  had  extinguished  the  Indian  title  by 
purchase,  the  tract  of  land  was  to  be  granted  to  them  in  tee,  with 
"the  right  to  dispose  of  it  by  testament."  Their  deputies  were  to 
keep  the  Director  and  Council  of  Nieu  Nederlandt  informed  ot  all 
they  did  and  to  report  yearly  to  the  Company. — Abridged  from  A.  J. 
Weise,  Hhtcry  of  Albany,  pp.  33-37. 


Explorations  and  Early  Church  Work  21 

shipped,  the  services  being  conducted  by  the  successive 
Dutch  ministers.' 

Fort  Orange  and  Rensselaerwyck  had  no  minister 
or  regular  services  until  1642,  when  the  Rev.  Johannes 
Megapolensis  was  appointed  by  the  classis  of  Amster- 
dam, his  salary  being  paid  by  the  patroon,  who  three 
years  later  built  a  church  on  what  is  now  Church 
Street.  The  colony  of  Rensselaerwyck  had  for  some 
years  none  but  Dutch  residents,  the  few  of  other 
nationalities  who  came  there  to  engage  in  the  fur 
trade  remaining  only  for  short  periods.  The  emi- 
gration from  Germany  began  about  1640,  and  in  1645 
many  German  families  had  settled  in  various  towns 
along  the  Hudson  River  and  inland.  They  united  in 
a  petition  that  they  be  allowed  to  have  a  minister  of 
the  Reformed  Church  of  Germany  settled  in  the  colony, 
who  should  visit  the  various  German  settlements  and 
hold  regular  services.  This  request  was  refused  by  the 
sturdy    Pieter    Stuyvesant,    then    Director-General    of 


'"The  first  church  built  exclusively  as  a  place  of  worship,  was 
also  commenced  in  the  year  1633.  This  building  was  situated 
on  the  shore  of  the  East  River  at  a  short  distance  from  the 
fort,  its  precise  locality  being  on  the  present  north  side  of  Pearl 
Street,  about  midway  between  Whitehall  and  Broad  Streets.  This 
structure  was  of  wood,  and  without  pretension  to  ornament.  It 
was  occupied  as  a  place  of  worship  for  about  ten  years,  but  in  the 
time  of  the  Indian  war,  in  the  year  1642,  it  was  considered  an 
unsafe  place  of  meeting,  from  the  well  known  practice  of  the  Indians 
in  other  exposed  settlements,  of  attacking  the  settlers  while  assembled 
in  their  churches  when  the  presence  and  affright  of  the  females  sub- 
jected the  citizens  to  a  battle  at  a  great  disadvantage.*  *  *  A  contract  was 
made  to  erect  the  edifice  (a  new  church)  within  the  walls  of  the  fort  ; 
the  church  to  be  of  rock  stone,  seventy-two  feet  long,  fifty-two  feet 
broad,  and  sixteen  feet  over  the  ground,  at  a  cost  of  about  one  thousand 
dollars.  John  and  Richard  Ogden  of  Stamford,  Connecticut,  were 
the  contractors." — History  of  the  City  of  New  York,  D.  T.  Valentine. 
New  York:   iSjJ- 


22  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Nieu  Nederlandt,  and  the  Lutherans  were  compelled 
to  attend  public  worship  in  the  Dutch  Reformed  meet- 
ing houses  and  to  pay  taxes  for  the  support  of  the 
Dutch  ministers.  An  appeal  for  a  minister  having 
been  made  to  the  Lutheran  Consistory,  and  a  petition 
sent  to  the  Honorable  Directors  of  the  West  India 
Company  at  Amsterdam,  praying  toleration  for  their 
religious  belief,  the  Rev.  Joannes  Ernestus  Goetwater 
arrived  in  New  Amsterdam  in  July,  1657.  The  minis- 
ters of  the  Dutch  Church,  however,  were  jealous  for 
their  exclusive  control  of  the  religion  of  the  province, 
and  he  hardly  was  allowed  to  land,  was  confined  to  the 
island  of  Manhattan,  was  prevented  from  holding  a 
single  service,  and  soon  was  compelled  to  return  to 
Holland  without  ministering  in  any  way  to  the  Luth- 
erans whom  he  came  to  serve.  For  several  years  after, 
the  Lutherans  could  worship  only  privately  in  their 
own  houses.  It  was  not  until  after  the  surrender  of  the 
province  to  the  English  that  full  toleration  was  granted.^ 

A  Lutheran  chapel  was  built  in  Albany  about  1684  on 
the  corner  of  Beaver  and  South  Pearl  Street,  the  site 
of  the  present  City  building.  There  seem  to  have 
been  no  members  of  the  Church  of  England  in  the 
province  during  the  Dutch  regime.  If  there  were  any, 
they  quietly  submitted  to  the  religious  teaching  given 
in  the  meeting  houses  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church. 

The  surrender  of  Nieu  Nederlandt  to  the  English 
in  1664,  not  only  introduced  English  laws  and  customs, 
but  also  a  chaplaincy  of  the  Church  of  England  at  the 
fort  in   New  York.      Governor  Nicolls,  when  he  took 

'  See,  however.  Appendix  for  the  noble  charity  of  the  first  Dutch 
minister  in  Albany,  Johannes  Megapolensis,  toward  the  heroic  Jesuit 
missionary.  Father  Jogues. 


Explorations  and  Early  Church  Work  23 

possession  of  the  province  in  the  name  of  his  master, 
the  Duke  of  York,  assured  the  Dutch  burghers  that 
they  would  not  be  disturbed  in  the  free  exercise  of  their 
religion.  The  reoccupancy  by  the  Dutch  from  August, 
1673,  to  November,  1674,  under  Governor  Antony 
Colve,  re-established  the  Reformed  Church  of  Holland 
for  a  brief  period.' 

The  first  formal  act  toward  the  establishment  of  the 
Church  of  England  was  an  order  of  the  Duke  of  York, 
July  ist,  1674,  by  which  a  regiment  of  soldiers  was  to 
be  stationed  at  New  York,  and  a  chaplain  maintained 
at  a  salary  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-one  pounds  eight 
shillings  and  six  pence,  "  to  commence  from  the  time 
the  soldiers  came  on  board,  to  be  estimated  at  the  cur- 
rent rates  of  beaver  there."  ^ 

Major  Edmund  Andros  arrived  with  the  English 
garrison  at  New  Amsterdam,  November  loth,  1674. 
The  province  was  surrendered  to  him  by  Governor 
Antony  Colve  according  to  the  treaty  made  at  West- 
minster, February  19th,  1674,  between  England  and 
the  States-General  of  Holland,  and  he  assumed  the 
functions  of  Governor. 

It  is  probable  that  Governor  Andros  was  accompanied 
by  the  Rev.  Nicolaus  Van  Rensselaer,  who  may  have 
acted  as  chaplain  to  the  garrison  at  New  Amsterdam 
until  he  went  to  Albany.  At  all  events,  Mr.  Van  Rens- 
selaer was  the  first  clergyman  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land in  Albany,  if  not  in  the  province.  He  was  the 
eighth  child  and  fourth  son  of  Kiliaen  Van  Rensselaer 
of    Amsterdam,     Holland,     a    rich     merchant    and    a 

'Valentine's  History  of  New  York,  p.   170. 

'  Documents  relating  to  the  Colonial  History  of  New  York,  Vol. 
Ill,  p.  220. 


24  Saint  Peter's  Church 

director  of  the  Dutch  West  India  Company,  who 
became,  by  his  extensive  purchase  of  land  on  both  sides 
of  the  Hudson  River,  including  the  present  counties 
of  Albany  and  Rensselaer  and  parts  of  Columbia  and 
Greene,  the  first  patroon  or  lord  of  the  manor  bearing 
his  name. 

While  the  Stuarts  were  in  exile  on  the  continent,  Mr. 
Van  Rensselaer  had  made  their  acquaintance  and  prophe- 
sied their  return  to  England.  Some  time  after  the 
restoration  of  Charles  II  to  the  throne,  having  been 
summoned  by  the  King,  he  had  gone  over  to  London  in 
the  suite  of  Mynheer  Van  Goph,  the  ambassador  from 
the  States-General  of  Holland,  to  whom  he  was  chaplain, 
and  was  received  by  the  King  and  Duke  of  York  with 
many  marks  of  friendship  and  favor.  A  snufF  box 
with  the  miniature  of  the  King  upon  the  lid  was  pre- 
sented to  him  by  Charles  II,  and  is  still  preserved  in 
the  family.'  While  in  England,  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer 
was  ordained  both  deacon  and  priest  by  the  Right  Rev. 
Dr.  Earle,  Bishop  of  Salisbury.'^  He  was  appointed 
minister  of  the  Dutch  congregation  at  Westminster, 
and  soon  after  became  lecturer  at  Saint  Margaret's 
Church,  Lothbury,  London.  In  the  summer  of  1674 
the  Duke  of  York  gave  to  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  the 
following  letter  addressed  to  Major  Andros,  who  had 
been  appointed  Governor  of  New  York,  July  ist: 

"Major  Andros: — Nicolaus  Van  Rensselaer  having  made  his 
humble  request  unto  me  that  I  would  recommend  him  to  be  minister 
of  one  of  the  Dutch  churches  in  New  York  or  New  Albany  when  a 
vacancy   shall    happen  ;    whereunto   I    have    consented,    I    do   hereby 

'  This  historic  relic  is  now  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  Eugene  Van 
Rensselaer,  the  only  surviving  son  of  the  last  patroon. 

''Dr.  John  Earle,  consecrated  Bishop  of  Worcester,  Nov.  30,  1662, 
translated  to  Salisbury,  1663,  died  Nov.   17,  1665. 


Explorations  and  Early  Church  Work  25 

desire  you  to  signify  the  same  unto  the  parishoners  at  that  (place) 
wherein  I  shall  look  upon  their  compliance  as  a  mark  of  their  respect 
and  good  inclinations  toward  me. 

23,  July,  1674.  I  am,  &c."  ' 

In  1652  Domine  Gideon  Schaets  had  succeeded  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Johannes  Megapolensis,  the  first  minister  ot 
Beverwyck  and  Rensselaerwyck.  In  1671  the  Rev. 
Wilhelmus  Nieuwenhuysen  became  his  colleague. 
Early  in  1675,  as  Mr.  Nieuwenhuysen  had  removed 
to  New  York  and  taken  charge  of  the  Dutch  congrega- 
tion there,  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  went  to  Albany  as  col- 
league to  Mr.  Schaets.  In  addition  to  his  pastoral 
duties,  the  direction  of  the  colony  of  Rensselaerwyck 
devolved  upon  him  after  the  death  of  his  brother, 
Jeremias  Van  Rensselaer,  during  the  minority  of  his 
nephew,  Kiliaen  Van  Rensselaer. 

Jealousies  soon  arose  in  the  church  when  it  was 
known  that  the  new  colleague  had  received  holy  orders 
in  England,  and  that  he  was  officiating  without  a  license 
from  the  classis  of  Amsterdam  to  which  the  Dutch  con- 
gregations in  the  province  owed  allegiance.  Mr.  Nieuw- 
enhuysen especially  was  bitter  against  the  new  col- 
league. In  September,  1675,  ^^-  ^^"  Rensselaer  was 
in  the  city  of  New  York.  It  was  his  intention  on  a 
certain  Sunday  to  baptise  such  children  as  might  be 
brought  in  the  afternoon  of  that  day.  The  minister 
of  New  York  heard  of  it  and  sent  word  through  the 
elders  of  his  Church,  forbidding  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer 
either  to  officiate  or  to  administer  the  sacrament  of 
Baptism. 

Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  immediately  sought  Mr.  Nieu- 
wenhuysen  and   asked   his   reason   for   sending   such  a 

'  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,  Vol.  VII,  p.  265. 


26  Saint  Peter's  Church 

message.  The  Dutch  minister  had  his  own  point  of 
view  which  justified  his  attitude.  His  reply  was  "that 
he  did  not  look  upon  him  as  a  Lawful  minister  or  his 
admittance  at  Albany  to  be  Lawful."  Mr.  Van  Rens- 
selaer then  requested  leave  to  show  his  testimonials, 
which  Mr.  Nieuwenhuysen  refused  to  examine,  saying 
that  "  no  one  that  had  Orders  from  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land had  sufficient  authority  to  be  admitted  a  minister 
here  and  to  administer  the  sacraments  without  a  license 
from  the  classis  of  Amsterdam."  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer 
immediately  laid  before  the  Governor  and  Council  a 
statement  of  the  manner  in  which  he  had  been  treated, 
and,  on  the  25th  of  September,  a  meeting  of  the  Council 
was  held  at  which  Governor  Andros,  the  secretary,  Cap- 
tain BrockhoUs,  Mr.  J.  Laurence,  Captain  Dyre  and 
Mr.  Fred  Philips  were  present.  Domine  Nieuwen- 
huysen was  given  three  or  four  days  in  which  to  put  in 
writing  his  judgment  "  whether  a  minister  ordained  in 
England  has  not  sufficient  ordination  to  preach  and 
administer  the  sacraments  in  Dutch  here  or  no  ?  " 

On  the  30th,  Domine  Nieuwenhuysen  presented  to 
the  Council  a  paper  in  which  he  justified  himself  in  his 
assertion,  and  was  supported  by  his  elders  and  deacons. 
After  long  debate,  he  seemed  to  allow  in  words  what  he 
had  denied  in  writing,  that  the  orders  of  Mr.  Van  Rens- 
selaer were  sufficient  to  permit  him  to  officiate  in  the 
Dutch  churches.  By  order  of  the  Council,  time  was 
given  the  Dutch  minister  and  elders  to  amend  their 
paper,  which  they  did  and  brought  it  again  the  next  day 
"  with  all  due  submission."  ^ 


'Documentary    History    of    New   York,    Vol.     Ill,    p.    87Z-875, 
where  a  full  account  of  the  trial  is  given  from  the  Council  minutes. 


Explorations  and  Early  Church  Work  27 

Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  returned  to  Albany  and  resumed 
his  duties  there  with  a  strong  party  in  his  favor.  Those 
members  of  the  church,  however,  who  were  sternly 
orthodox  in  their  adherence  to  the  decrees  of  the  Synod 
of  Dort  were  watching  and  weighing  carefully  every 
word  of  the  colleague,  and  all  expressions  that  were 
not  in  full  accord  with  the  principles  of  the  Reformed 
Church  of  Holland  were  noted  down  for  witness  against 
him.  At  length  in  September,  1676,  he  was  imprisoned 
by  the  magistrate  of  Albany  for  "  dubious  words  spoken 
in  his  sermon."  When  the  Governor  and  Council 
learned  that  this  indignity  had  been  offered,  his  imme- 
diate release  was  ordered  and  the  magistrates  were  com- 
manded to  answer  at  New  York. 

On  the  I  5th  of  September  a  meeting  of  the  Governor 
in  Council  and  the  ministers  of  the  City  of  New  York 
was  held,  when  the  parties  in  dispute,  Mr.  Van  Rens- 
selaer, Jacob  Millburne  and  Jacob  Leysler,  gave  security 
for  the  trial.  Mr.  Leysler  and  Mr.  Millburne  were 
remanded  to  the  custody  of  the  shenifF  if  their  security 
were  not  paid. 

On  the  28th  of  the  same  month  an  extraordinary 
court  was  held  at  Albany  before  which  appeared 
Domine  Schaets,  Domine  Van  Rensselaer  and  wit- 
nesses. After  hearing  both  sides,  the  court  com- 
manded the  ministers  to  be  reconciled  "and  consume 
all  differences  in  the  fire  of  love."  The  costs  were 
assessed  upon  the  complainants,  and  there  appears  to 
have  been  no  further  litigation. 

It  would  seem  that  after  the  vindication  of  his  rights 
Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  did  not  officiate  in  the  Dutch 
church  at  Albany,  as  no  acts  by  him  are  recorded  after 
1676.     That  he  attended   the  services   there  from  time 


28  Saint  Peter's  Church 

to  time  is  made  evident  by  the  following  extract  from 
the  City  records  : 

"  1678 -- Captain  Philip  Schuyler  complains  about  it  being  refused 
to  Dominie  N.  Van  Rensselaer  to  take  his  seat  in  the  usual  pastor's 
pew  with  the  elders.  =i=  *  *  *  Resolved  and  ordered  that  Captain 
Philip  have  a  suitable  seat  in  the  church  behind  that  of  the  magis- 
trates." ' 

The  exact  purport  of  the  "  dubious  words  "  which 
Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  uttered  in  his  sermon  is  matter  for 
conjecture.  At  the  period  in  which  he  lived  there  was 
an  earnest  desire  to  unite  all  the  Reformed  Churches, 
and  it  may  have  been  the  hope  of  the  first  minister  of 
the  Church  of  England  in  New  York,  gradually  to 
show  to  the  people  of  Albany  the  points  of  agreement 
between  the  Churches  of  England  and  Holland,  lead 
them  to  examine  the  matters  of  difference  in  govern- 
ment and  doctrine,  cite  the  testimonies  of  Scripture 
and  history  and  thus  open  a  way  for  the  Church  of 
England  in  the  province. 

The  current  impression  that  he  secretly  was  a  papist 
and  that  he  set  up  a  claim  to  the  manor  was  founded 
upon  the  facts  that  he  was  a  friend  of  the  Duke  of 
York,  who,  it  is  well  known,  was  a  Roman  Catholic, 
and  that  he,  with  Madame  Maria  Van  Rensselaer  and 
Septimus  Van  Cortlandt,  was  executor  of  the  estate  of 
his  brother  Jeremias  and  thus  became  director  of  the 
colony.  His  career  in  Albany  seems  to  have  been  that 
of  a  man  scrupulous  in  maintaining  his  proper  position 
both  in  the  province  and  in  the  manor,  unmindful  of 
consequences.  He  married  Alida,  a  daughter  of  Captain 
Philip  Schuyler  of  Albany,  an  ancestor  of  the  distin- 
guished General  Schuyler  of  Revolutionary  fame.     He 

'  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,  I,  p.   125. 


Explorations  and  Early  Church  Work  29 

died  in  November,  1678,  leaving  no  children,  and  his 
widow  married  Robert  Livingston,  the  founder  of  the 
American  family  of  Livingston  and  the  first  proprietor 
of  the  Livingston  Manor. 

The  death  of  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  ended  for  the  time 
all  attempts  to  have  a  minister,  episcopally  ordained, 
settled  in  Albany.  It  is  doubtful  if  Domine  Van 
Rensselaer  directly  did  anything  to  promote  the  growth 
of  the  Church  of  England  in  that  staid  Dutch  town, 
unless  we  can  interpret  the  accusation  against  him  to 
mean  that  his  "  dubious  words  "  in  sermons  were  words 
more  in  accord  with  theology  of  the  English  Caroline 
divines  than  with  the  tenets  of  the  Calvinistic  doctors 
who  sat  in  the  Synod  of  Dort.' 

The  chaplaincy  of  the  garrison  stationed  in  the  fort 
at  New  York  was  the  only  outward  and  visible  token  of 
the  supremacy  of  the  Church  of  England  in  the  province. 
The  Duke  of  York,  although  narrow-minded,  saw 
the  folly  of  compelling  the  conquered  Hollanders  to 
conform  to  the  Church  of  England,  and  he  set  forth 
principles  for  the  government  of  his  subjects  in  New 
York  much  more  liberal  than  many  thought  expedient 
in  that  period  of  intolerance  and  bigotry.  He  allowed 
to  them  both  liberty  of  speech  and  liberty  of  worship. 

'  Bishop  Perry  following^  Dr.  Brodhead's  statement  in  his  "  History 
of  New  York,"  asserts  that  Domine  Van  Rensselaer  was  an  ambitious, 
self-seeking  man,  "a  minister  upon  whom  the  vows  of  ordination 
seemed  to  rest  but  lightly,"  and  that  in  1677  he  was  deposed  by 
Gov.  Andros.  —  History  of  the  American  Episcopal  Church,  Vol. 
I,  p.  I  JO.  A  careful  examination  of  the  manuscript  archives  of  New 
York  has  been  made  without  discovering  the  documents  upon  which 
Dr.  Brodhead's  assertions  are  based.  The  only  documents  relating 
to  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  deal  entirely  with  the  affairs  of  the  Renssel- 
aerwyck  Patent  and  show  him  to  have  been  a  good  manager  of  his 
nephew's  estate. 


30  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The  chaplaincy,  established  in  1674,  seems  to  have 
received  no  incumbent  until  four  years  afterwards. 
Although  stationed  in  the  fort  at  New  York,  the 
chaplain  was  to  have  a  general  oversight  of  all  the 
garrisons,  and  at  regular  intervals  visit  the  other  forts 
of  the  province  for  the  holding  of  religious  services 
and  the  administration  of  the  sacraments.  It  speaks 
well  for  the  wisdom  of  those  who  were  charged  with  the 
appointment  of  the  chaplains  that  usually  they  chose 
men  well  adapted  for  their  work.  Very  few  details 
concerning  them  are  now  to  be  found.  A  complete  list 
even  could  be  made  only  after  a  patient  and  thorough 
search  through  the  English  army  archives. 

The  Rev.  Charles  Wolley,  who  became  chaplain  in 
1678,  was  a  graduate  of  Cambridge  University.  He 
was  a  careful  observer  of  the  manners  and  customs  of 
the  people,  and  of  the  climate  and  soils  of  the  country, 
and  has  left  an  interesting  record  of  his  residence  in 
"  A  two  years  journal  in  New  York,  by  C.  W.,  A.  M."  ^ 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Wolley  officially  visited  the  garrison 
at  Albany,  and  as  he  found  opportunity  administered 
the  Holy  Communion  and  preached. 

To  the  Rev.  John  Miller,  chaplain  from  1692-1695, 
must  be  given  the  honor  of  devising  a  comprehensive 
scheme  for  the  better  conduct  of  the  work  of  the  Church 
in  the  new  world.  In  the  form  of  a  letter  to  the  Bishop 
of  London,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Henry  Compton,  he  wrote 

'London,  1701.  A  new  edition  with  notes  and  an  historical 
introduction  by  Dr.  E.  B.  O'Callaghan  was  published  by  Wm. 
Gowans,  New  Yoric,  in  i860.  A  large  paper  edition  of  fifty  copies 
was  published  in  1869. 


Explorations  and  Early  Church  Work  31 

a  description  of  New  York/  which  is  of  great  value  to 
the  historical  student.  He  laments  that  there  is 
''no  minister  at  all  of  the  settled  and  established  religion,  and  of 
such  there  is  oftentimes  not  one  in  the  whole  province,  nor  at  any 
time  except  the  chaplain  to  His  Majesty's  Forces  in  New  York,  that 
does  discharge,  or  pretend  to  discharge,  the  duty  of  a  minister,  and 
he  being  but  one  cannot  do  it  everywhere,  and  but  in  very  few  places 
but  New  York  itself."  ' 

In  a  list  of  the  counties  of  the  province  he  described 
Albany  as  containing  four  or  five  hundred  Dutch 
families,  twelve  or  fourteen  Lutheran  families,  with 
two  churches,  a  "  Dutch  Calvinist,"  and  a  "  Dutch 
Lutheran,"  and  states  that  Dr.  Dellius  was  the  minister 
of  Albany.  It  is  evident  that  then  there  was  no  resi- 
dent Dutch  Lutheran  minister.  Of  the  necessity  for 
a  chaplain  in  that  city,  he  says  : 

"That  His  Majesty  will  please  to  allow  a  chaplain  to  the  soldiers 
at  Albany  in  particular  (to  be  paid  out  of  the  advance  of  their  pay) 
who  have  lately  gone  over,  and  to  be  sometimes  changed  with  him  at 
New  York."  ' 

In  the  same  letter  he  makes  the  very  practical  sug- 
gestion that  a  suffragan  to  the  Bishop  of  London  be 
appointed,  a  man  of  sound  judgment  and  rare  devo- 
tion, to  reside  in  the  city  of  New  York,  who  should 
have  living  with  him  constantly  several  clergymen  of 
zeal  and  ability  whom   he  could  send  throughout  the 

'  A  Description  of  the  Province  and  City  of  New  York  :  with 
plans  of  the  City  and  several  forts  as  they  existed  in  the  year  1695. 
by  the  Rev.  John  Miller.  London,  Printed  and  published  for  the 
enlightment  of  such  as  would  desire  information  anent  the  new  found 
Land  of  America.  Published  from  the  original  manuscript,  London  : 
Thomas  Rodd,  1843.  Republished  in  Gowans'  Bibliotheca  Ameri- 
cana, No.  3,  witii  notes  by  John  Gilmary  Shea.  1862.  8  vo. 
pp.  128. 

'  Description,  Chapter  III,  pp.  46,  47,  Gowan's  edition. 

'  Description,  Chapter   VIII,  p.  63. 


32  Saint   Peter's  Church 

province  teaching,  preaching  and,  wherever  possible, 
founding  parishes  of  the  Church  of  England.  His  well 
considered  plan  was  delayed  in  its  transmission  to  the 
Bishop  of  London  by  his  imprisonment  for  several 
years  in  a  French  dungeon.  Had  it  been  adopted, 
much  of  the  hardship  and  trial  of  the  Colonial  Church 
might  have  been  averted. 

The  House  of  Hanover  was  indifferent  to  the  spiritual 
interests  of  the  Church  in  the  colonies.  This  letter  of 
Mr.  Miller,  and  other  appeals  for  an  American  Episco- 
pate were  allowed  to  gather  dust  in  the  muniment  room 
of  Fulham  Palace,  the  official  residence  of  the  Bishops 
of  London.  This  explains  the  publication  of  the  letter 
as  an  historical  curiosity  a  century  and  a  half  after  its 
delivery  to  "  my  Lord  of  London." 


CHAPTER  II 

THE   MOHAWK   MISSIONARY 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Bray,  Commissary  in  Maryland,  :690-l70l. — • 
Organization  of  the  Propagation  Society,  1701. — The  Mission  of  Keith 
and  Talbot,  1702-1704. — Indian  Missions  in  New  York. — The  Rev. 
Thoroughgood  Moor,  the  first  Mohawk  Missionary,  1704. — Attempted 
vsfork  by  him  among  the  Mohawks,  1 704. — Officiates  in  Albany, 
1704. — Leaves  Albany  for  Burlington,  N.  J.,  1705. — Imprisonment  in 
Fort  Anne  vrith  the  Rev.  John  Brook,  1707. — Escape  and  death  at  Sea, 
1707. 

THE  appointment  in  1696  by  the  Bishop  of  London, 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Compton,  of  the  Rev.  Thomas 
Bray,  D.  D.,  as  his  commissary  in  Maryland  at  the 
request  of  the  Governor  and  assembly  of  that  province, 
was  the  dawn  of  a  brighter  dav  for  English  churchmen 
in  the  American  colonies.  Dr.  Bray  was  a  graduate  of 
Oxford,  a  writer  of  acknowledged  ability,  a  far-seeing 
and  sagacious  man,  whose  common  sense  admirably 
fitted  him  for  the  important  post  to  which  the  Bishop 
had  promoted  him.  His  interest  in  his  brethren 
beyond  the  sea  led  him  to  accept  the  hard  work  of  a 
much  abused  office,  and  to  fill  it  with  honor,  dignity  and 
usefulness. 

After  his  appointment  he  remained  in  England  for 
four  years  arousing  the  consciences  of  Englishmen  to 
their  neglected  duty  to  their  brethren  on  the  other  side  of 
the  Atlantic.  His  stay  in  Maryland  was  brief,  only  a 
few  months,  but  it  was  fruitful  in  results.  He  remained 
until  the  day  of  his  death  the  warm-hearted,  generous, 
intelligent  promoter  of  every  good  work  for  the  advance- 
ment of  the  Church  in  America.  There  is  no  name 
3 


34  Saint  Peter's  Church 

more  deserving  of    honor    in   the   early   annals   of    the 
American  Church    than  that  of  Thomas  Bray.^ 

It  was  at  his  suggestion,  and  upon  hearing  the  per- 
sonal observations  he  had  made  while  in  America,  that 
the  most  earnest  and  devout  bishops,  clergy  and  laymen 
of  the  English  Church  formed  the  "  Society  for  the 
Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,"  chartered 
June  i6,  1701  by  King  William  III.  From  its  first 
meeting  on  Friday,  June  27,  1701,  in  the  library  at 
Lambeth,  the  Archbishop,  Dr.  Tennison,  presiding, 
this  society  has  been  an  invaluable  factor  in  the  mission 
work  of  the  Church  of  England.  The  first  action  of 
the  Society  was  to  send  through  the  American  colonies, 
on  a  tour  of  investigation,  a  clergyman  of  discretion  and 
zeal,  that  he  might  report  where  there  were  the  greatest 
need  and  desire  for  the  services  of  the  Church.  The 
Rev.  George  Keith  was  chosen  for  this  duty.  He  was 
well  acquainted  with  the  colonies,  and  had  been  formerly 
a  leader  among  the  Pennsylvania  Quakers,  but  had 
recently  "  come  off  his  errors,"  to  use  a  phrase  of  the 
period,  and  conformed  to  the  English  Church.  On  his 
passage  to  Boston  on  the  ship  "  Centurion"  he  found 
in  the  chaplain,  the  Rev.  John  Talbot,  a  man  of  primi- 
tive and  apostolic  mould,  who  was  led  by  his  conversa- 
tions with  Mr.  Keith  to  offer  himself  as  a  companion 
in  the  tour  of  the  colonies.  His  offer  was  gladly 
accepted.  The  tour  began  In  the  summer  of  1702  with 
a  visit  to  several  New  Hampshire  towns,  and  ended  at 
Caratuck,    North  Carolina,   on   Whitsunday,    May   16, 

'  A  copy  of  the  well  known  "Catechetical  Lectures"  of  Dr.  Bray, 
(London,  1701,)  is  again  in  the  custody  of  the  parish.  It  is  one  of 
ten  volumes  sent  early  in  the  eighteenth  century  by  "  Dr.  Bray's 
Associates  "  to  "  The  Church  of  Albany  in  New  York." 


The  Mohawk  Missionary  35 

1703.  Another  year  was  spent  in  organizing  parishes, 
petitioning  for  clergymen,  books  and  stipends  and 
arranging  for  the  building  of  churches.  The  value  of 
the  pioneer  work  of  these  two  men  cannot  be  overes- 
timated. Their  visit  to  the  Province  of  New  York,  led 
to  the  permanent  establishment  of  a  mission  of  the 
Church  of   England  at  Albany. 

This  city  had  grown  largely  and  its  importance  was 
recognized.  It  was  the  only  place  of  conference  with 
the  Indians  in  the  Province  of  New  York.  It  was  the 
gateway  of  the  rich  fur-bearing  country  North  and 
West,  through  which  the  heavily  laden  boats  of  the 
Indian  traders  started  for  their  voyages  of  gain  and 
plunder  on  the  upper  Hudson,  the  Mohawk  and  the 
great  lakes.  The  shrewdness,  industry  and  thrift  of  its 
citizens  made  the  most  of  its  frontier  position.  The 
quaintness  of  the  customs  brought  from  "Vaderland, " 
the  picturesqueness  of  the  houses,  built  often  of  brick 
from  Holland,  with  their  high  peaked  gables,  steep 
roofs  and  dormer  windows,  with  their  comfortable  half 
doors  hospitably  open,  and  cool,  wide  stoops  provided 
with  benches  where  the  young  men  and  maidens  sat  dur- 
ing the  long  summer  evenings,  or  "mynheer"  silently 
smoked  his  long  pipe,  while  his  good  wife  sat  placidly 
by  with  her  knitting,  as  interminable  as  the  toil  of 
Penelope, —  all  this  gave  to  the  city  a  sedate  charm 
that  few  places  in  America  possessed. 

While  the  Hollanders  were  still  the  dominant  element, 
many  persons  of  other  nationalities  had  been  attracted 
by  the  facilities  which  this  frontier  settlement  offered 
for  large  and  speedy  returns  from  investments  made  in 
the  Indian  traffic.  Albany,  even  in  the  day  when  it 
was  only  a  trading  post,  was  a  busy  and  important  town. 


36  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Here  was  the  most  substantial  fort  north  of  New  York. 
It  was  at  first  simply  stockaded,  but  soon  after  was  built 
of  stone,  with  four  bastions  mounting  twenty  guns. 
Within  the  fort-enclosure  there  were  a  commodious  and 
convenient  residence  for  "the  Governor  of  Albany," 
suitable  quarters  for  the  officers  and  ample  barracks  for 
the  large  garrison  of  two  hundred  men.  There  were 
spacious  parade  grounds  and  well  cultivated  gardens. 
The  fort  stood  on  the  brow  of  the  hill  overlooking  the 
city  at  the  head  of  the  broad  street  leading  from  the 
river.^  Even  before  civilization  had  animated  the  land- 
scape, the  view  from  that  eminence,  of  river,  forest  and 
hills,  was  one  of  peculiar  beauty. 

The  commandant,  or  as  Chaplain  Miller  styles  him, 
"the  Governor  of  Albany,"  was  chosen  always  from  the 
most  efficient  superior  officers.  He  was  a  gentleman 
by  both  birth  and  training  of  good  old  English  stock. 
The  officers  under  the  commandant  were  men  of  ability, 
selected  carefully  from  the  royal  troops  stationed  in 
the  Province.  They  were  by  education  and  prefer- 
ence members  of  the  Church  of  England.  They  were 
anxious  for  the  moral  welfare  of  the  men  under  their 
charge,  who  generally  knew  nothing  of  the  Dutch  lan- 
guage and  customs  and  could  not  attend  with  any 
profit  the  services  in  the  square  stone  church  built  at 
the  foot  of  the  street  where  the  Dutch  burghers  wor- 
shipped. They  had  no  familiarity  with  the  High  Ger- 
man spoken  by  the  Lutheran  minister,  who  with  his 
congregation  worshipped  in  a  small  chapel  built  about 
1680.  Neither  of  these  churches  attracted  the  English 
soldiers.      It  was  inconvenient  for  the  royal  chaplain  of 

'  Then  called  Jonker  Straat,  now  State  Street. 


The  Mohawk  Missionary  37 

New  York  to  be  frequently  in  Albany.  It  was  evident 
that  drunkenness  and  other  martial  vices  could  best  be 
fought  bv  a  truehearted  and  manly  chaplain  resident  at 
the  Fort. 

There  were  moreover  larger  considerations  than  the 
needs  of  the  garrison.  The  English  government  was 
anxious  to  win  the  Indians  of  New  York  from  French 
influence  and  from  the  great  power  exercised  over  them 
by  the  Jesuit  missionaries,  whose  brave  and  self  denying 
lives  make  an  heroic  page  in  the  history  of  Canada.  A 
fort  chaplain  in  Albany  would  be  an  invaluable  agent 
in  this  work. 

Meanwhile  the  English  authorities  continued  the 
measures  of  conciliation  and  friendship  adopted  by  the 
Dutch.  Indian  commissioners  were  appointed,  and 
frequent  conferences  with  the  chiefs  of  the  Iroquois  Con- 
federacy were  held  at  Albanv,  where  the  savages  were 
entertained  lavishly  and  received  valuable  gifts.  In 
1702,  Mr.  Keith  and  Mr.  Talbot  accompanied  the 
Governor,  the  effeminate  Lord  Cornbury,  and  some  of 
the  distinguished  gentlemen  of  the  provinces  to  one  of 
these  conferences.  They  perceived  the  wide  field  open 
to  a  clergyman  of  sound  judgment  and  sterling  manhood 
both  among  the  Indians  and  in  the  city  of  Albany. 
The  ability  of  Mr.  Talbot  commended  him  strongly 
for  the  position  and  he  was  urged  to  remain  and  under- 
take the  work.  '"  But  when  I  saw  "  writes  Mr.  Talbot, 
"  so  many  of  my  own  nation  and  tongue,  I  was  resolved 
by  God's  grace  to  seek  them  in  the  first  place."*  His 
abundant  energy  and  well   directed  zeal  was   turned  to 

'  History  of  the  Church  in  Burlington,  by  G.  M.  HiUs,  D.  D., 
Rector  of  St.  Mar\''s  Church,  Burlington,  N.  J.  First  edition  Trenton, 
William  S.  Sharp.      1876.      p.   59. 


38  Saint  Peter's  Church 

the  firm  establishment  of  the  Church  in  New  Jersey  and 
the  development  of  St.  Mary's  Church,  Burlington,  of 
which  he  became  the  first  Rector. 

The  astute  mind  of  the  Earl  of  Bellomont,  the  pre- 
decessor of  Cornbury  had  seen  that  effectually  to  cope 
with  the  French,  the  "praying  Indians"  of  Canada 
must  be  the  allies  and  friends  of  the  English.  His 
letters  to  the  "  Board  of  Trade  and  Plantations"  are 
filled  with  arguments  and  plans  for  placing  among  the 
Mohawks  and  the  more  distant  tribes,  missionaries, 
who  by  living  among  them  would  gain  their  confidence 
and  love.  In  August,  1700,  at  a  conference  in  Albany, 
he  promised  the  Indians  that  at  least  two  missionaries 
should  be  sent  to  the  Mohawks  and  Onondagas,  and 
that  forts  in  which  should  be  the  residence  of  the 
missionary  and  a  chapel,  should  be  erected  in  the  nearest 
Mohawk  castle  and  among  the  Onondagas. 

His  promises  were  cordially,  even  gratefully,  received, 
and  soon  after,  the  Rev.  Bernadus  Freeman  of  the 
Dutch  Reformed  Church  was  sent  by  the  Governor  to 
Schenectady  with  special  instructions  to  learn  the 
Mohawk  dialect,  to  visit  the  Indians  in  their  castles  and 
to  serve  as  missionary  until  resident  clergymen  could  be 
sent  from  England.  Within  a  year  he  mastered  the 
Iroquois  language,  and  translated  portions  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures  and  the  English  Prayer  Book  into  the 
Mohawk  dialect.'  He  made  several  long  visits  to  the 
Indian  country  where  he  met  with  every  kindness  and 
found  a  readiness  on  the  part  of  the  braves  and  squaws 
to   listen   to   his  teaching.      But    as    his    home   was    in 

'  His  translations  were  used  by  his  successors  in  the  Indian  Mission 
and  finally  published  under  the  auspices  of  the  Propagation  Society  bv 
William  Bradford  in  1715. 


The  Mohawk  Missionary  39 

Schenectady  he  could  not  fulfil  all  the  duties  required 
of  an  Indian  missionary.  He  reluctantly  abandoned 
his  Indian  work,  returned  to  Long  Island  and  became 
the  Dutch  minister  of   New  Utrecht. 

The  Rev.  Johannes  Lydius,  the  successor  of  Mr. 
Freeman  at  Schenectady  and  afterwards  minister  at 
Albany,  also  regularly  instructed  the  Indians  who  came 
to  Albany  to  barter  their  furs.  He  died  in  17 10,  hav- 
ing the  testimony  of  his  contemporaries  "that  he  was  a 
good,  pious  man." 

The  constant  and  earnest  letters  of  Lord  Bellomont 
at  length  made  an  impression  upon  the  "Board  of  Trade 
and  Plantations."  Interest  was  aroused,  and  copies  of 
his  dispatches  were  sent  to  Dr.  Tennison,  Archbishop 
of  Canterbury,  and  to  Dr.  Compton,  Bishop  of  London. 
These  dignitaries  discussed  them  seriously  and  con- 
sidered the  best  means  of  supplying  money,  books  and 
missionaries.  Dr.  Compton,  in  acknowledging  the  let- 
ters of  the  Governor,  writes : 

"I  am  very  sensible  of  the  just  care  the  Earl  of  Bellomont  has 
expressed  for  the  conversion  of  the  Five  Nations,  and  I  wish  with  all  my 
heart  that  I  had  five  apostles  for  them.  But  you  may  be  assured  that  I 
will  make  it  my  business  to  find  fit  persons  for  the  work  when  I  can  know 
how  they  will  subsist."  ' 

The  Board  in  their  answers  to  the  Governor  affirmed 
their  great  desire  to  send  missionaries  but  complained 
of  the  difficulty  of  securing  the  necessary  maintenance. 

The  Earl  of  Bellomont  died  March  5,  1701,  leaving 
the  reputation  of  having  been  the  best  Governor  ever 
sent  to  the  Province."     He   did  not  see  the  fulfilment 

'  Documents  relating  to  Colonial  History  of  N.  Y.,  vol.  IV.,  p.  774. 

'  For  his  attitude  of  indifference  to  the  Church  of  England,  see  Dr. 
Dix's  History  of  Trinity  Church  in  the  City  of  New  York,  I.,  pp.  I  18- 
133- 


40  Saint   Peter's  Church 

of  his  noble  plan,  but  his  successors,  Lieut.  Governor 
Nanfan,  and  the  new  Governor,  Lord  Cornbury,  who 
arrived  in  1702,  warmly  urged  it. 

In  1703  Queen  Anne,  by  an  order  in  Council, 
approved  the  plan,  and  referred  it  to  the  Archbishop  of 
Canterbury  for  execution.  The  Crown  was  willing  to 
allow  twenty  pounds  for  passage  money,  but  insisted 
that  the  maintenance  of  the  missionaries  must  come 
from  private  sources.  The  Board  then  appealed  to  the 
Venerable  Propagation  Society  to  appoint  suitable  per- 
sons and  to  provide  them  with  adequate  stipends.  A 
letter  to  the  Board  from  John  Chamberlayne,  Secretary 
of  the  Society,  dated  "ist  of  February  1703"   informs 

it  that,  after  much  difficulty,  they  had  found 
"  two  reverend  divines,  Mr.  Smith  and  Mr.  Moor,  whom  they  think 
well  qualified  for  their  errand.  They  have  agreed  to  allow  the  said  gen- 
tlemen 100^  per  annum  each;  over  and  above  which  they  will  have 
^o^  apiece  to  buy  their  utensils  for  the  little  caban  they  are  supposed  to 
have  among  the  Indians  and  10^  of  '  5^  f°''  books  ettc."  ' 

On  February  25th,  1704,  Thoroughgood  Moor  was 
ordained  priest,  and  soon  after  sailed  for  New  York. 
It  does  not  appear  that  Mr.    Smith  came  to  America. 

Mr.  Moor  was  received  with  distinguished  courtesy 
by  Governor  Cornbury,  and  welcomed  by  his  brethren 
of  the  clergy,  especially  by  the  Rev.  Wm.  Vesey  of 
Trinity  Church,  New  York  City.  Mr.  Talbot,  in  a 
letter  to  the  Rev.  George  Keith,  speaks  of  him  as  "a 
man  according  to  my  own  heart,  I'm  sorry  he's  to  go 
so  far  off  as  ye  Mohocks.  God  knows  whether  we  shall 
see  him  again."-     The  hospitality  of  the  Governor  and 

'  Documents  rel.  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.      Vol.  IV,  p.   1077. 
Hills'  History  of  the  Church  in  Burlington,  p.  59. 


The  Mohawk  Missionary  41 

New  York  friends  could  not  detain  him  long  from  his 
mission,  and  early  in  November  he  left  the  city  for  the 
long  journey  to  Albany  by  sloop  or  canoe,  bearing  with 
him  this  order  from  the  Governor: 

"  By  His  Excellency 
Edward,  viscount  Cornbury,  Capt  Genl.  &  Govt,  in  Chief. 

You  are  hereby  required  and  commanded  to  attend  the  Reverend  Mr. 
Moore  and  Mr.  Lidius  from  time  to  time,  and  to  Interprett  between 
them  and  the  Indians  on  such  matters  and  so  often  as  you  shall  be  there- 
unto required  bv  them,  or  either  of  them.  Till  you  receive  further  orders 
from  me,  and  hereof  vou  are  not  to  fail  att  your  perill. 

Given  under  my  Hand  and  Scale  att  Fort  Anne  in  New  York  the 
Seventh  day  of  November  I  704. 

Cornbury 
To  Lawrence  Clawsen  "  ' 

Mr.  Moor's  presence  in  Albany  was  hailed  as  the 
precursor  of  a  more  liberal  Indian  policy  and  the  begin- 
ning of  a  more  cordial  understanding  between  the 
English  government  and  the  dreaded  Five  Nations. 
The  mayor  and  councillors,  citizens,  officers  of  the 
garrison  and  soldiers,  all  united  to  do  him  honor.  He 
hoped  soon  to  be  able  to  proceed  to  the  Mohawk  country, 
but  a  great  fall  of  snow  detained  him  in  Albany,  where 
he  officiated  for  the  garrison  and  formed  many  friend- 
ships. With  some  of  the  chiefs  who  came  to  the  city 
he  held  interviews,  in  which  they  seemed  sincerely 
grateful  that  their  request  had  been  granted,  and 
promised  for  their  tribes,  earnest  attention  to  the  truth 
he  should  teach,  abundant  food  and  shelter  and  their 
powerful  support.  These  cheering  words  were  spoken 
with  all  the  dignity  of  an  Indian  chief,  and  Mr.  Moor 


'  New  York  Colonial  Manuscripts,  vol.  I,  p.  34. 


42  Saint  Peter's  Church 

awaited  the  time  when  he  could  venture  safely  through 
the  snow  into  the  Indian  country.  But,  to  his  bitter 
disappointment,  when  at  last  he  was  able  to  go  to  the 
nearest  Mohawk  castle,  thirty-six  miles  from  Albany, 
he  found  no  provision  for  his  comfort.  No  house  had 
been  built  for  him,  there  was  no  gathering  of  the  men 
of  the  castle,  and  there  seemed  to  be  no  desire  to  hear  his 
message.  He  returned  to  Albany  weary,  sad  and  heart- 
sick. On  subsequent  visits  he  made  several  attempts 
to  gain  the  confidence  of  the  Indians,  but  was  received 
with  stolidity,  indifference  and  even  contempt.  He 
wondered  at  the  great  change  that  had  come  over  them 
since  in  the  most  pathetic  and  eloquent  language  they 
had  expressed  their  wish  for  a  better  knowledge  of  the 
Christian's  God. 

While  the  contemporary  documents  do  not  give  any 
clear  statement  of  the  reasons  for  this  change,  tradition 
says  that  the  traders  were  opposed  bitterly  to  any  one 
but  themselves  going  into  the  Indian  country  or  gaining 
any  influence  over  the  Indians,  and  that  they  alarmed 
the  Mohawks  by  insinuations  that  the  missionaries  would 
steal  their  lands,  destroy  their  hunting  grounds,  prevent 
them  from  selling  their  furs  to  whom  they  chose,  and 
would  make  them  slaves.  Among  a  people  naturally 
suspicious  and  loving  the  wild  life  of  the  woods  these 
extravagant  misrepresentations,  carried  from  one  castle 
to  another,  aroused  bitter  hostility  to  the  missionary,  and 
Mr.  Moor  reluctantly  concluded  that  he  could  not  ful- 
fil the  task  for  which  he  had  come  from  England. 
Reference  to  his  work  on  the  frontier  is  found  in  "  A 
Summary   Account  of  the   State  of   the  Church   in   the 


The   Mohawk  Missionary  43 

Province  of   New  York  "   presented   to  the   clergy  who 
met  in  the  City  of  New  York,  October  5,  1704. 

"ALBANY. 

"  A  large  frontier  town  where  most  of  the  people  are  Dutch,  who 
have  from  Amsterdam  a  Dutch  minister,  one  Mr.  Lydius,  but  there  are 
some  English  families,  besides  a  garrison  of  Soldiers,  who  are  a  consider- 
able congregation.  A  Church  of  England  minister  here  will,  in  all 
probability  do  signal  service,  not  only  by  setting  up  pubHc  worship  to  the 
joy  and  comfort  of  the  English,  who  impatiently  desire  a  minister,  and 
persuading  the  Dutch  and  others  to  conform,  but  also  instructing  the 
Indians  which  come  in  great  numbers  thither. 

"  Mr.  Moore,  missionary  to  the  Mohawks,  is  coming  to  settle  here  for 
some  time  by  the  directions  of  his  Excellency,  My  Lord  Combury,  who 
gives  him  great  encouragement,  and  has  been  particularly  pleased  to 
promise  him  presents  for  the  Indians.'" 

After   nearly  a   year  of  fruitless  effort  to  christianize 
the  Mohawks,   Mr.  Moor  sadly  left  Albany  and  from 
New  York  wrote  to  Mr.  Hodges,  one  of  the  treasurers 
of  the  Venerable  Society,  on  November  14,  1705: 

"  I  have  now  left  Albany  and  the  Indians  without  any  thought  of  re- 
turning. ....  I  lefr  Albany  i  2th,  the  last,  and  have  since  been  in  the  Jerseys 
seeing  where  I  may  be  most  serviceable  and  how  I  may  regain  the  time 
I  have  lost."^ 

Col.  Caleb  Heathcote  of  Heathcote  Hall,  West- 
chester county,  a  Christian  gentlemen,  a  member  of 
the  Society  and  a  zealous  churchman,^  in  a  letter  written 
in  answer  to  one  of  inquiry  sent  by  the  Secretary  soon 
after  Mr.  Moor  had  returned  to  New  York,  says  of 
the  Indian  mission: 

"  As  for  Mr.  Moor's  mission,  you  will  undoubtedly  have  the  account 
thereof  very  fiiUy  by  Mr.  Talbot,  whose  place  he  supplies,  having  thought 

'  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  117. 

''  Hills'  History  of  the  Church  in  Burlington,  p.  64. 
'  He  was  the  great  grandfather  of  the  late  Bishop  De  Lancey  of  West- 
em  New  York. 


44  Saint   Peter's  Church 

it  not  worth  while  to  stay  in  Albany.  As  for  my  opinion  in  that  matter 
I  think  it  too  heavy  for  the  Society  to  meddle  with  at  present,  and  would 
properly  lie  as  a  burthen  on  the  Crown  to  be  defrayed  out  of  the  revenue 
here.  For  their  being  brought  over  to  our  Holy  Faith  will,  at  the  same 
time,  secure  them  in  their  fidelity  to  the  government."  ' 

In  the  years  1706  and  1707  Mr.  Moor  took  charge 
of  St.  Mary's,  Burlington,  N.  J.,  Mr.  Talbot  having 
returned  to  England  to  plead  for  books,  missionaries 
and  a  Suffragan  Bishop.  He  seems  to  have  been  a  man 
of  earnest  conscientiousness,  scrupulous  in  every  duty 
of  his  office  and  ready  boldly  to  rebuke  vice  even  in 
high  places.  His  controversy  with  Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor Ingoldsby  at  Burlington,  his  firm  refusal  to  admit 
him  to  the  Holy  Communion  and  his  resistance  of  the 
arbitrary  measures  of  Governor  Cornbury  in  asserting 
absolute  authority  over  the  clergy,  brought  him  under 
the  displeasure  of  the  Governor,  who  in  August,  1707, 
forcibly  carried  him  to  New  York,  and  confined  him 
with  the  Rev.  John  Brooke,  of  Elizabethtown,  N.  J. 
in  Fort  Anne.  This  action  provoked  much  strife  and 
ill  will  between  the  clergy  and  the  royal  Governor,  and 
the  letters  of  Mr.  Talbot,  Elias  Neau,  the  catechist  at 
New  York,  and  others,  are  filled  with  indignant  protests 
against  the  arbitrary  acts  of  the  Governor.  In  the 
autumn  Mr.  Moor  and  Mr.  Brooke  escaped,  through 
the  carelessness  of  the  sentinels,  and  went  to  Boston 
determined  to  embark  for  England  and  lay  their  com- 
plaints before  the  proper  authorities.  After  making 
their  wills  they  sailed  in  November.  Their  ship  was 
never  heard  from.  Regarding  them  the  Rev.  John 
Talbot  says  in  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  written  August 
20,  1708: 

'  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  125. 


The  Mohawk  Missionary  45 

"  I  have  written  several  letters  to  you  from  Boston  and  New  York  bv 
Brothers  Brooke  and  Moore  ;  but  I  am  afraid  they  are  lost  together; 
they  have  been  nine  months  gone,  and  we  saw  them  not  since,  nor  any 
news  of  them.  I  met  them  at  Boston  and  would  persuade  them  to 
return,  but  all  in  vain  ;  they  had  been  so  dragooned  that  they  had  rather 
be  taken  into  France  than  into  the  Fort  at  New  York.  Mr.  Brooke 
and  Mr.  Moore  are  much  lamented,  being  the  most  pious  and  industrious 
missionaries  that  ever  the  Honorable  Society  sent  over,  let  the  adversaries 
say  what  they  will,  they  can  prove  no  evil  thing  against  these  men.'" 

Others  of  their  contemporaries  give  them  the  highest 
character  for  zeal,  efficiency  and  learning,  and  mourn 
the  lack  of  ecclesiastical  supervision  in  the  colonies 
which  drove  them  from  their  work  and  led  to  their 
tragic  death. 

'  Hills'  History  of  the  Church  in  Burlington  p.  83. 


CHAPTER  III 

BUILDING  OF  THE  FIRST  ST.   PETER'S 

RECyJEST  for  a  chaplain  at  Fort  Albany,  1706. — Ordination  of  Thomas 
Barclay,  1707. — Appointed  Garrison  Chaplain,  1708. — Preaches  to 
the  people  in  Dutch. — Appointed  missionary  by  the  Propagation  Society, 
1709. — An  English  Congregation  formed,  1709. — Services  held  in  the 
Lutheran  Chapel,  1709-1715. — The  Queen  Anne  Communion  Plate, 
1 7 1  2 — Petition  for  a  patent  for  land  on  which  to  build  a  church;  Petition 
granted  by  the  Crown,  1714. — Building  of  the  first  St.  Peter's,  1715. 
Remonstrance  of  the  Corporation  of  Albany,  171 5. — Mr.  Barclay's 
labors  among  the  Mohawks,  1709-171 2. — Aids  Mr.  Andrews,  the 
Mohawk  missionary,  171  2. — Mr.  Barclay's  trials,  17 16— 1720. — Revo- 
cation of  his  appointment  from  the  Propagation  Society,  1717. — His 
insanity  and  death,  1721-1726. 

IT  was  nearly  two  years  after  Mr.  Moor  had  left 
Albany  before  a  clergyman  was  appointed  to  serve 
as  garrison  chaplain.  The  appeals  from  the  Command- 
ant at  Albany,  from  the  Commandant  at  New  York, 
from  the  clergy  of  the  province,  and  especially  from 
Mr.  Vesey  of  Trinity  Church,  and  from  men  of  large 
influence  like  Col.  Heathcote,  however,  in  time  made 
an  impression  on  the  War  Office  in  London. 

It  is  not  known  what  reasons  induced  Thomas  Bar- 
clay, a  younger  son  of  a  noble  Scottish  house,  when  in 
middle  life,  to  receive  holy  orders,  spend  the  remainder 
of  his  days  in  a  border  town  in  the  New  World,  and 
become  the  founder,  under  God,  of  a  parish  of  the 
Church  of  England  in  Albany.  Possibly  he  was  recom- 
mended by  Col.  Heathcote,  who  had  heard  of  him 
through  his  countryman,  the  Rev.  George  Muirson,  the 
faithful  rector  of  Rye,  and  the  first  Church  clergyman 
to  officiate  statedly  in  Connecticut. 


Building  of  the  First  St.  Peter's  47 

Mr.  Barclay  was  made  deacon  on  May  22,  1707,  and 
ordained  priest  on  May  31,  1707,  by  the  Right  Rev- 
erend Dr.  Henry  Compton,  Bishop  of  London.'  In 
November,  1707,  he  was  in  Boston,  and,  in  company 
with  the  Rev.  Samuel  Myles  of  King's  Chapel,  the 
Rev.  John  Talbot  of  St.  Mary's,  Burlington,  N.  J., 
and  the  Rev.  John  Brook  of  Elizabethtown,  N.  J., 
witnessed  the  will  of  the  unfortunate  Thoroughgood 
Moor.- 

Mr.  Barclay's  occupations  until  the  summer  of  1708 
cannot  be  traced  from  any  contemporary  documents. 
He  is  not  mentioned  in  letters  of  the  clergy  of  New 
York  and  New  England  of  this  period.  It  is  possible 
that  he  went  to  Albany  during  the  winter  and  worked 
with  such  earnestness  among  the  troops  as  to  cause  a 
request  for  his  appointment  as  chaplain.  His  formal 
commission  is  dated  on  June  9,  1708.  From  that  time 
he  seems  not  only  to  have  sought  to  benefit  the  officers 
and  soldiers  in  the  garrison,  but  also  to  search  out  those 
in  the  city  who  were  desirous  of  the  services  of  the 
Church.  These  services  were  held  within  the  precincts 
of  the  fort.  So  zealous  was  Mr.  Barclay  as  a  chaplain, 
parish  priest  and  instructor  of  the  Indians,  that  the 
Bishop  of  London  represented  to  the  Society  the  pro- 
priety of  appointing  him  as  their  missionary  at  Albany. 
This  was  done  at  a  meeting  of  the  Society  on  October 
21,  1709.  A  stipend  of  fifty  pounds  was  appropriated 
to  him.  His  allowance  from  the  Crown  as  chaplain 
was  also  fifty  pounds. 

The  only  contemporary  record  of  the  early  labors  of 
Mr.  Barclay  is  contained  in  the  Rev.  Dr.  Humphrey's 

'  Ms.  Registry  of  Ordinarions,  Diocese  of  London,   167  5- 1809. 
'  Hills'  History  of  the  Church  in  Burlington,  p.  74. 


48  Saint  Peter's  Church 

"  Account  of  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Gospel,"  which  was  published  in  1730.^  He  was  for 
many  years  the  efficient  secretary  of  the  Society  and 
compiled  his  account  from  the  documents  preserved  in 
its  archives.      He  says : 

"  Albany,  so  called  from  the  Duke  of  York's  Scotch  title,  as  New 
York  was  from  his  English,  is  situate  on  Hudson  River.  It  was  inhabited 
mostly  by  the  Dutch.  It  is  considerable  as  being  the  chief  place  of 
Trade  with  the  Indians  and  a  frontier  both  against  the  Indians  and  French, 
who  in  conjunction  have  several  times  invaded  the  Province  on  that  side. 
It  is  a  very  populous  place,  said  to  contain  in  171 2  near  4,000  Souls,  of 
which  450  only  were  Negroes  or  Indian  slaves.  For  the  Security  of  the 
Province  both  against  the  Indians  and  French,  it  had  a  Garrison  of  200 
soldiers  and  a  strong  Fort.  The  Reverend  Mr.  Barclay  was  chaplain  to 
this  Fort  in  the  year  1709.  The  inhabitants  being  almost  all  Dutch,  had 
a  minister,  Mr.  Dellius  ;  but  he  about  this  time  returned  to  Europe,  and 
the  Society  appointed  the  Rev.  Mr.  Barclay  to  be  Missionary  and  Cate- 
chist  there  ;  because  the  Society  were  desirous  that  he  should  instruct 
some  of  the  great  Number  of  Slaves  there,  and  Indians  who  occasionally 
resorted  to  that  Town.  They  come  here  to  trade  with  the  Enghsh,  and 
it  was  hoped  he  might  meet  with  many  fair  opportunities  of  inviting  them 
to  become  Christians.  Mr.  Barclay  was  very  industrious  in  his  mission 
and  acceptable  to  the  People.  Upon  the  Dutch  minister,  Mr.  Dellius, 
being  absent,  he  persuaded  many  people  of  the  best  note  and  character  to 
come  to  hear  him.  They  attended  him  in  their  church  where  the 
English  Liturgy  was  read  in  Dutch  and  he  preached  to  them  in  Dutch  ; 
and  several  of  the  principal  inhabitants  conformed  entirely  to  the  Church 
of  England  and  numbers  of  the  common  people  followed  their  example."'^ 

One  letter  only  of  those  written  by  Mr.  Barclay  from 
Albany  is  preserved  in  print.  It  gives  many  interest- 
ing particulars  of  his  life,  and  shows  how  skillfully  he 
avoided  occasions  of  offence  and,  by  kindness  and 
gentleness,  won  many  to  the  faith  as  professed  by  the 


London  :  Joseph  Downing.      MDCCCXXX. 
Humphrey's  Account   S.  P.  G.  p.  213 


Building  of  the  First  St.  Peter's  49 

Church  of  England.      It   is  addressed  to   the  Secretary 
for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel : 

Albany,  September  26th,   1710. 

Honoured  Sir  : —  As  I  did  begin  trom  my  first  coming  to  Albany, 
so  I  go  on  to  catechise  the  youth,  and  it  hath  pleased  God  to  bless  my 
weak  endeavours  that  way,  for  a  great  many  Dutch  children,  who  at  my 
first  arrival  were  altogether  ignorant  of  the  English  tongue  can  distinctly 
sav  our  catechism  and  make  responses  at  prayers.  Every  Sunday  after 
the  second  lesson  at  evening  Praver  I  explain  some  part  ot  the  catechism 
in  as  plain  and  familiar  manner  as  I  can  shunning  all  controversies, 
teaching  them  such  fundamental  doctrines  as  are  necessary  and  tend  most 
to  promote  pietv  and  a  good  life.  I  have  taught  the  scholars  the  prayers 
appointed  for  charity  schools,  and  I  have  used  all  possible  methods  to 
engage  the  children  to  their  duty,  both  by  the  giving  of  small  presents  to 
the  most  forward  and  diligent,  and  by  frequently  visiting  their  schools, 
and  for  encouraging  the  school-masters  I  give  them  what  charity  is  col- 
lected in  our  church,  obliging  them  to  bring  their  scholars  to  public 
prayers. 

"  At  Schenectady  I  preach  once  a  month,  where  there  is  a  garrison  of 
forty  soldiers,  besides  about  sixteen  English  and  about  one  hundred 
Dutch  families  ;  thev  are  all  of  them  my  constant  hearers.  I  have  this 
summer  got  an  English  school  erected  amongst  them,  and  in  a  short  time, 
I  hope,  their  children  will  be  fit  for  catechising.  Schenectady  is  a  vil- 
lage situated  upon  a  pleasant  river,  twenty  English  miles  above  Albany, 
and  the  first  castle  of  the  Indians  is  twentv-four  miles  above  Schenectady. 
In  this  village  there  has  been  no  Dutch  minister  these  five  years  and  there 
is  no  probability  of  any  being  settled  among  them.  There  is  a  convenient 
and  well  built  church  which  they  freely  gave  me  the  use  of.  I  have 
taken  pains  to  show  them  the  agreement  of  the  articles  ot  our  church  with 
theirs.  I  hope  in  some  time  to  bring  them  not  only  to  be  constant  hearers, 
but  communicants. 

"  Mr.  Lydius  the  minister  of  the  Dutch  congregation  at  Albany  died 
the  1st  dav  of  March  last.  He  was  a  good  pious  man  and  lived  in  entire 
friendship  wth  me;  sent  his  own  children  to  be  catechised.  At  present 
there  is  no  Dutch  minister  at  Albany,  neither  is  any  expected  'till  next 
summer;  and  from  New  York  to  the  utmost  bounds  of  mv  parish  there 
is  no  minister  but  myself;  most  of  the  inhabitants  are  Dutch,  the  garrison 
excepted,  which  consists  of  three  companies,  each  company  one  hundred 
4 


50  Saint  Peter's  Church 

men.  In  the  city  and  county  of  Albany  there  are  about  three  thousand 
souls,  besides  the  garrison;  in  the  mean  time  some  of  the  Dutch  children 
I  have  baptized,  and  married  several,  and  other  parts  of  the  service  I  have 
performed  in  the  Dutch  tongue,  and  more  of  them  would  accept  my 
ministry;  but  that  Mr.  De  Bois,'  a  minister  of  the  Dutch  congregation  of 
New  York,  comes  sometimes  to  Albany;  he  is  a  hot  man,  and  an  enemy 
to  our  church,  but  a  friend  to  his  purse,  for  he  has  large  contributions 
from  this  place.  As  for  myself  I  take  no  money,  and  have  no  kind  of 
perquisite.  I  have  used  all  moderation  toward  dissenters  in  this  country. 
There  is  none  but  those  of  the  Dutch  Church,  and  I  found  two  only  not 
baptized,  the  one  born  in  West  Jersey  and  bred  a  Quaker,  him  I  have 
brought  over  to  our  church,  and  christened  him  the  first  day  of  this  year; 
the  other  is  an  Old  England  man  but  of  a  loose  life;  so  soon  as  I  can 
bring  him  off  from  his  wicked  courses  I  design  to  baptize  him.  Since 
the  death  of  Mr.  Lydius,  the  Indians  have  no  minister,  there  are  about 
thirty  communicants  and  of  the  Dutch  Church,  but  so  ignorant  and 
scandalous  that  they  can  scarce  be  reputed  christians.  The  sachems  of 
the  five  nations,  viz:  Masque,  Oneydas,  Onnondages,  Cayhugas,  and 
Senekas,  at  a  meeting  with  our  governor,  Col.  Hunter,  at  Albany  the 
loth,  August  last,  when  his  excellency  in  his  speech  to  them  asked  them 
if  they  were  of  the  same  mind  with  those  four  Indians  that  had  been  over 
with  Col.  Schuyler  in  desiring  missionaries  to  be  sent,  and  they  answered 
they  were,  and  desired  to  have  forts  built  among  them  and  a 
church,  and  that  Mr.  Freeman  present  minister  of  the  Dutch  congregation 
of  Flatbush,  near  New  York,  be  one  of  those  two  missionaries  which  the 
Queen  promised  to  send  them.  This  Mr.  Freeman,  five  years  ago  was 
minister  of  Schenectady,  and  converted  several  of  the  Indians;  he  has 
acquired  more  skill  in  their  language  than  any  Dutch  minister  that  has 
been  in  this  country,  and  Mr.  Dellius  is  not  so  well  skilled  in  that  tongue. 
A  great  part  of  our  liturgy  he  has  translated  into  the  Indian  tongue,  in 
particular  Morning  and  Evening  prayer,  the  Litany,  the  Creed  of  St. 
Athanasius,  &c.,  besides  several  places  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament. 
He  told  me  when  he  read  to  them  the  Litany  they  were  mightily  affected 
with  it.  He  is  a  gentleman  of  good  temper  and  well  affected  to  our 
church,  and  if  there  were  a  Bishop  in  this  part  of  the  world,  would  be 
persuaded  to  take  Episcopal  ordination.      I  often  entreat  him  to  go  over 

'The  Rev.  Gualterus  Dubois,  colleague  to  the  Rev.  Henricus  Selyns, 
1699-1707,  sole  minister  of  the  Dutch  Church,   1701-1751. 


Building  of  the  First  St.  Peter's  51 

to  England,  but  he  is  afraid  of  the  danger  of  the  voyage,  and  his  wife 
will  not  consent  to  live  among  the  Indians;  he  has  promised  to  give  me 
his  manuscript  and  what  he  has  done  into  the  Indian  tongue. 

"  I  am  sorry  to  tell  you.  Sir,  that  I  am  afraid  the  missionaries  that  are 
coming  over,  will  find  hard  work  of  it,  and  if  the  commander  of  the  fort 
be  not  a  person  of  singular  piety  and  virtue  all  their  endeavours  will  be 
ineffectual;  these,  here,  that  trade  with  them,  are  loath  that  any  religion 
get  any  footing  among  them;  besides,  these  savages  are  so  given  to  the 
drinking  of  that  nasty  liquor  rum,  that  they  are  lost  to  all  that  is  good. 
I  must  tell  you  that  the  Masque,  of  whom  one  of  the  tour  lately  in 
England  was  a  sachem,  have  not  above  fifty  men.  All  the  five  nations 
cannot  make  two  thousand,  and  of  these,  in  number  the  Senekas  are  near 
one  thousand  and  most  of  them  are  in  the  French  interest.  Hendrick, 
the  great  prince,  that  was  so  honoured  in  England,  cannot  command  ten 
men;  the  other  three  were  not  sachems.  How  far  her  majesty  and  the 
Society  have  been  imposed  upon,  I  leave  it  to  you  to  judge.  I  beg  leave 
also  to  tell  you,  that  the  missionaries  that  are  sent  over,  must  have  an 
honourable  allowance  and  large  presents  to  give,  otherwise  they  will  have 
but  few  proselytes;  and  great  care  must  be  taken  that  they  are  well  used, 
otherwise  their  mission  will  prove  ineffectual  as  Mr.  Moor's,  and  how  he 
defeated  the  designs  of  his  mission.  Col.  Schuyler  best  knows.  I  have 
now  worried  you  with  a  long  letter,  and  shall  only  add,  that  I  shall  be 
always  ready  to  follow  the  directions  of  the  Society,  and  to  endeavour  all 
that  in  me  lieth  to  propagate  religion  where  it  is  not,  and  cultivate  it 
where  it  is  estabUshed."  ' 

The  man  who  could  write  such  a  letter  shows  that  he 
understood  mission  work,  that  he  was  able  to  conciliate 
the  original  settlers,  and,  by  his  hard  work  and  force  of 
character,  build  up  in  Albany  ''  a  brave  congregation," 
to  adopt  an  expressive  phrase  of  George  Keith.  It  is 
unfortunate  that  the  only  personal  memorials  of  Mr. 
Barclay  are  brief  reports  to  the  Propagation  Society 
printed  in  their  annual  abstracts,  his  letters  preserved  in 
their    archives    and    a    few    official    documents     in    the 


'  Doc.  Hist,  of  N.  Y.     Vol.  Ill,  pp.  896-7-8-9. 


52  Saint   Peter's  Church 

archives  of  the  State  of  New  York.  His  official  register 
cannot  be  found  among  the  archives  of  St.  Peter's. 

The  subsequent  history  of  the  parish  shows  that  he 
was  wise  and  prudent  in  laying  a  firm  foundation  for 
the  Church  by  his  thorough  Christian  education  of  the 
children  of  the  city.  Many  of  them  became  firm  and 
zealous  supporters  of  the  faith  as  held  by  the  Church  of 
England.  His  knowledge  of  Dutch,  his  winning  man- 
ner and  his  careful  oversight  of  the  Indians  peculiarly 
fitted  him  for  his  work.  When  the  people  of  the  city 
began  to  be  interested  in  the  services,  and  many  of  the 
Dutch  attended,  the  Lutheran  chapel  on  the  corner  of 
the  present  South  Pearl  and  Beaver  streets  was  occupied. 
Dr.  Humphrey  thus  refers  to  the  catechetical  lectures 
given  by  Mr.  Barclay. 

"  Mr.  Barclay  was  very  intent  in  teaching  the  younger  people  the 
church  catechism  in  English  especially  the  poorer  children  ;  he  cate- 
chised publicly  in  church  on  Sundays  in  the  afternoon,  and  read  an 
explanation  of  some  part  of  it  ;  he  taught  them  also  twice  a  week  on  week 
days.  His  scholars  were  generally  seventy  children  most  of  Dutch 
extraction  and  in  less  than  three  years  he  taught  one  hundred  and  sixty 
the  catechism  and  otherwise  instructed  them  in  the  principles  of  the 
Christian  religion.'" 

Before  the  appointment  of  a  resident  missionary  to 
the  Mohawks,  Mr.  Barclay  made  several  visits  to  their 
country  and  gained  the  friendship  of  the  chiefs.  At 
length  in  17 12,  the  prayer  of  the  Indians  was  granted. 
The  Government  built  a  fort  at  the  Lower  Mohawk 
Castle  near  the  junction  of  the  Mohawk  river  and 
Schoharie  creek,  with  a  chapel  and  house  for  a  mis- 
sionary. The  situation  was  well  chosen,  overlooking 
the  beautiful  Mohawk  valley.      Here  the  Indians  came 

'  Humphrey's  Account,  p.   283. 


Building  of  the  First  St.  Peter's  53 

in  tlie  late  autumn  when  the  hunting  season  was  over 
and  were  ready  to  listen  to  the  claims  of  religion  during 
the  long  hours  of  the  winter.  The  fort  was  called  in 
honor  of  the  Governor,  "  Fort  Hunter."  The  Rev. 
William  Andrews  was  appointed  the  resident  missionary 
and  arrived  at  Albany  in  November,  1 7 1 2.  The  records 
of  the  Commissioners  of  Indian  affairs  show  that  Mr. 
Barclay  zealously  aided  the  new  missionary  by  his 
personal  influence  with  the  Indians  and  the  Com- 
missioners.' 

In  the  abstract  of  the  "Society  for  the  Propagation 
of  the  Gospel  "  for  the  year  171 2-13  the  consummation 
so  long  delayed  is  thus  recorded : 

"  What  the  Society  then  have  been  enabled  to  do  this  year  in  the  second 
part  of  their  charge,  hath  been  first  to  answer  the  expectation  of  the 
Indian  Sachems  in  dispatching  to  the  Mohawiis,  the  nearest  of  the  Five 
Nations,  according  to  their  renewed  Requests  an  able  minister,  viz  :  the 
Rev.  William  Andrews,  a  person  recommended  to  his  Grace  of  Canter- 
bury as  well  qualified  for  the  service,  having  been  in  the  Plantations, 
understanding  somewhat  of  the  Indian  languages,  and  otherwise  well 
deserving,  both  as  to  Life  and  Doctrine.  For  his  greater  encouragement 
and  better  support  in  this  difficult  undertaking,  the  Society  has  thought  fit 
to  allow  him  i  '^o-Q  per  annum  with  6o_^  for  an  interpreter.  For  his 
greater  security  in  the  discharge  of  his  Duty  the  Queen  has  been  pleased 
to  build  a  Fort  1 50  foot  square  with  a  Block  House  at  each  corner,  a 
Chapel  and  a  Manse  in  the  middle  garrisoned  already  with  an  officer  and 
twenty  men.  Toward  his  better  reception  amongst  the  Indians,  and  the 
more  decent  performance  of  Divine  Worship,  her  Majesty  has  been 
pleased  likewise  of  her  Royal  munificence  and  Christian  Piety  to  bestow 
upon  them  for  the  Furniture  of  the  Chapel,  I  Communion  Table  cloth,  2 
Damask  napkins,  i  carpet  for  the  Communion  Table,  i  Altar  cloth,  i 
pulpit  cloth,  I  large  cushion  with  Tassels  for  the  Pulpit,  i  small  ditto  for 
the  Desk,  1  Holland  Surplice,  i  Large  Bible,  z  Common  Prayer  Books, 
one  wholly  for  the  clerk,  I  Book  of  Homilies,  i  Large  Silver  Salver,  i 

'  Doc.  Hist,  of  N.  Y.      Vol.  Ill,  pp.  900-903. 


54  Saint   Peter's  Church 

Ditto  small,  2  large  silver  Flagons,  i  Silver  Dish,  i  Silver  Chalice,  with 
4  of  her  Majesty's  Imperial  Arms  painted  on  Canvass,  1  for  the  Chappel, 
and  3  for  so  manv  Castles.  Besides  which  his  Grace  of  Canterbury  for 
their  edification  and  comfort  has  sent  by  the  Sorling  ;  2  Large  Octavo 
Bibles  very  finely  bound  for  the  use  of  the  2  Chappels  amongst  the 
Mohawks  and  Onondagas,  with  2  painted  Tables  containing  the  Lord's 
Prayer,  the  Creed  and  Ten  Commandments,  at  more  than  20  Guineas 
expense.  To  which  the  Society  have  added  a  Table  of  their  Seal,  finely 
painted  in  proper  colours  to  be  fixed  likewise  in  the  Chappel  of  the 
Mohawks,  with  some  few  Sermons  in  Quarto  and  Octavo  to  be  distributed 
in  the  Province  ;  All  which  as  per  advice  of  his  Excellency  Governor 
Hunter  were  safely  arrived  last  Fall  with  Mr.  Andrews,  who  'tis  hoped 
will  not  be  long  without  a  neighbour  and  colleague  among  the  Onondagas  : 
For  whose  chappel  when  built  the  like  Furniture  is  prepared  and  sent  over 
by  order  of  her  Majesty  and  power  is  given  to  General  Nicholson  and 
Governour  Hunter  to  forward  a  missionary  thither,  if  need  be,  till  the 
Society  shall  make  other  provision.  "  ' 

It  is  pleasant  to  know  that  the  vessels  for  the  Holy 
Communion  then  brought  over  are  still  carefully  pre- 
served and  used  by  the  Mohawks  in  their  present  home 
in  Canada.  The  cominunion  plate  intended  for  the 
proposed  Indian  chapel  among  the  Onondagas,  which 
was  sent  over  at  the  same  time,  came  into  the  possession 
of,  and  has  been  constantly  used  in  St.  Peter's,  Albany 
since  17 12.  It  consists  of  six  pieces  of  massive  silver, 
— two  large  flagons,  one  large  and  one  small  paten,  one 
chalice  and  an  alms  bason.  The  hall-marks  indicate 
the  date,  17 12.  On  each  piece  are  engraved  the  royal 
arms  of  the  period  and  the  legend:  "The  Gift  of  Her 
Majesty  Ann,  by  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain, 
France  and  Ireland,  and  of  Her  Plantations,  in  North 
America,  Queen,  to  Her  Indian  Chappel  of  the  Onon- 
dawgus." 

'  Abs.  S.  P.  G.     171Z-13,  p.  45. 


.-    -      -.i  si*  v-V  ,- 


^een  Anne  Communion  FlatCy  ij  12 


FKff.^i-.>,^  -  ^'s*?^  <: 


54 


Building  of  the  First  St.  Peter's  55 

When  these  sacred  vessels  reached  the  colony,  Gov- 
ernor Hunter  committed  them  to  the  custody  of  the 
wardens  and  vestrymen  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  as  the 
nearest  approach  he  could  make  to  the  fulfilment  of  the 
pious  intention  of  the  Oueen.  It  is  to  be  noted  that 
her  gift  was  not  to  the  tribe,  but  to  ''her  Indian  Chap- 
pel  of  the  Onondawgus."  As  neither  fort  nor  chapel 
was  ever  built  among  the  Onondagas,  and  no  special 
missionary  was  appointed,  the  plate  remained  in  the 
custody  of  St.  Peter's,  which  for  a  long  time  was  the 
frontier  church  of  the  Province.  Mr.  Barclay,  Mr. 
Andrews  and  other  clergymen  from  time  to  time  visited 
the  Onondagas,  but  no  permanent  mission  was  estab- 
lished. Albany  was  the  meeting  place  for  all  Indians 
who  came  to  trade  with  the  Dutch  and  English,  and  the 
church  there  was  regarded  as  the  "chapel"  for  all  the 
tribes  of  the  "Five  Nations,"  except  the  Mohawks. 
Thus  the  Oueen  Anne  communion  plate  for  the  "Chap- 
pel  of  the  Onondawgus"  has  remained  to  this  day  in 
the  possession  and  use  of  St.  Peter's  parish.  The  folio 
Bible,  sent  over  at  the  same  time,  and  in  excellent  pres- 
ervation, is  also  in  possession  of  the  parish.' 

Mr.  Barclay's  endeavor  to  be  pastor  to  all  sorts  and 
conditions  of  men  is  shown  in  the  following  extract 
from  the  Society's  abstract  for  the  same  year: 

"  Thus  the  Reverend  Mr.  Barclay  from  Albany  writes,  that  he  con- 
tinues to  catechise  the  youth  and  to  bring  over  the  proselyte  Indians  to 
our  Church  to  whose  endeavours  success  has  been  given  in  some  measure. 
He  having  administered  the  Blessed  Sacrament  to  some  of  the  adult  and 
baptised  some  children."'" 


'  See  appendix.      Monograph  by   the  Hon.    Orlando  Meads,  LL.D. 
'The    Communion   Plate  of  St.  Peter's  Churei)." 
'  Abs.  S.  P.  G.  p.  47. 


56  Saint  Peter's  Church 

It  is  evident  that  the  missionary  had  made  a  strong 
impression  on  the  people  of  the  city.  The  Lutheran 
chapel  was  small,  the  services  had  to  be  held  at  incon- 
venient hours,  the  congregation  was  too  large  to  be 
properly  accommodated  there,  and  the  time  to  arise  and 
build  had  come.  It  was  necessary  that  the  formal 
approval  of  the  Governor  be  obtained  and  that  his 
powerful  influence  throughout  the  Province  be  secured. 
Robert  Hunter,  the  Governor,  was  an  ardent  church- 
man, and  he  endeavored  to  carry  out  the  wishes  of  his 
sovereign  for  the  establishment  of  the  Church.  Great 
interest  in  the  church  in  Albany  was  taken  in  other 
parts  of  the  Province,  and,  at  the  meeting  of  the  Con- 
vocation of  the  clergy  of  the  Province  of  New  York, 
held  in  the  city  of  New  York  in  May,  A.  D.,  1712, 
in  the  usual  address  to  the  Governor,  in  which  he  is 
besought  to  aid  the  Church  in  various  towns,  the  needs 
of  Albany  are  thus  warmly  urged  : 

"  As  it  is  with  the  greatest  pleasure  we  hear  of  the  due  encouragement 
Mr.  Barclay,  minister  of  Albany,  meets  with  in  the  Propagation  of  the 
Christian  Religion,  and  Knowledge  under  your  Excy's  wise  and  pious 
administration.  So  it  is  our  earnest  and  humble  request  that  your  Exc'y 
will  be  pleased  to  promote  the  building  of  a  church  there  which  is  very 
much  wanting."  ' 

The  Governor  did  not  immediately  respond  to  this 
appeal,  which  was  urged  anew  by  the  conventions  of  the 
Clergy  of  New  York  in  1713  and  17 14.  The  Governor 
however  favorably  regarded  the  undertaking,  and  on 
May  31,  1 7 14,  he  granted  his  license  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Barclay  and  the  wardens  to  collect  money  for  the  build- 
ing of  a  church  "  in  the  centre  of  the  broad  street 
called  Yonkers    Street,    leading    from   the   fort    to   the 

'  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  1 30. 


Land  Patent  with  i^een  Anne  Seal,  iji^ 


Tigemerii 


•VO- 


Building  of  the  First  St.  Peter's  57 

waterside,  between  the  end  of  Pearl  Street  and  the  small 
street  that  leads  to  the  Lutheran  Church."  After  a 
satisfactory  subscription  had  been  made  in  Albany, 
Schenectady,  New  York  City  and  elsewhere.  Gov. 
Hunter  visited  Albany.  An  inspection  of  the  ground 
chosen  for  the  church  convinced  him  that  a  site  upon 
the  hill  nearer  the  fort  would  give  more  room  for  the 
church  and  cemetery.  It  was  upon  his  advice  that  on 
Oct.  7,  17 14,  the  minister,  Mr.  Barclay  and  the 
wardens,  Capt.  Peter  Matthews  and  Mr.  John  Dunbar, 
presented  to  the  Governor  a  petition  for  a  plot  of  ground 
"  ninety  feet  in  length  and  sixty  in  breadth  between  the 
houses  of  Stephanus  Groesbeck  on  the  north  side  and 
the  house  of  Abraham  Cuyler  on  the  south  side,"  to  be 
used  for  a  church  and  cemetery.  The  petition  was 
read  in  Council  and  granted  on  October  21,  1714,  and 
a  patent  ordered  to  be  issued.  This  patent  beautifully 
engrossed  on  parchment  is  among  the  most  treasured 
possessions  of  the  parish.  It  bears  the  great  seal  of  the 
Province,  on  the  obverse  of  which  is  the  crowned  effigy 
of  Queen  Anne,  holding  in  her  right  hand  the  orb  and 
in  her  left  the  sceptre,  while  before  her  are  kneeling 
two  Indians  presenting  gifts  of  beaver  and  wampum. 
The  reverse  has  the  royal  arms.^     The  granting  of  this 


'  See  appendix  for  the  text  of  the  patent. 

The  seal  of  which  that  in  the  patent  is  an  excellent  and  early  impres- 
sion, is  the  second  that  was  used  in  the  reign  of  Queen  Anne.  The 
first  was  authorized  May  3,  1705,  and  was  superseded  October  29, 
I  709,  in  consequence  of  the  Union  between  England  and  Scotland.  On 
the  obverse  are  the  Queen's  effigv  and  two  Indians  offering  gifts  of  beaver 
and  wampum  in  token  of  submission  and  the  subscription  Anna  Dei  Gra. 
Mag.  Brit.  Fran,  et  Hib.  Regina.  Fid.  Defen.  On  the  reverse  the  royal 
arms  now  changed  in  consequence  of  the  Union,  on  the  first  and  fourth 
quarters  England  impales  Scotland,  on  the  second  are  the  Ulies  of    France, 


58  Saint  Peter's  Church 

patent  was  the  cause  of  great  alarm  to  the  authorities  of 
the  City  of  Albany.  Soon  after  the  patent  was  received, 
workmen  began  to  lay  out  the  plot  granted  in  the  middle 
of  the  street.  On  November  8,  the  City  Council  held 
a  meeting,  in  which  they  determined  that  the  right  of 
the  Crown  to  convey  land  without  any  title  from  the 
City  ought  to  be  tested.  It  was  resolved  that  Mr. 
Barclay  and  the  Wardens  "  be  advised  to  delay  that 
work  until  Mr.  Mayor  of  Albany*  shall  be  here  and 
that  they  shall  be  served  with  a  copy  hereof^." 

The  legality  of  the  grant  was  sustained  by  the 
Governor.  On  March  3,  1715,  a  remonstrance  was  sent 
to  him  by  the  Corporation  of  the  City  of  Albany, 
claiming  that  the  plot  granted  belonged  to  the  city, 
"being  included  in  our  Charter."  The  remonstrants 
say  that  it  seems  to  them  either  "  an  encroachment  on 
the  rights  of  the  said  city  or  a  disregard  to  the  common- 
alty." They  allege  that  they  offered  Mr.  Barclay  and 
the  wardens  another  tract  of  land,  to  prove  they  were 
not  averse  to  the  pious  design,  but  it  was  refused.^ 
The  Governor's  reply  is  not  recorded.  The  work 
upon  the  foundation  of  the  church  went  on  until  the 
City  finally  determined  to  commence  legal  proceedings 
against  the  workmen  and  test  the  question  in  the  courts. 


on  the  third  the  harp  for  Ireland,  and  the  former  motto,  Semper  Eadem. 
Around  the  circumference  the  inscription  Sigillum  Provinciae  Nostrae 
Novi  Eboracs  in  America.  The  supporters  are  the  crowned  lion  and 
the  unicorn,  above  the  shield  is  the  royal  crown. 

This  seal  was  not  superseded  until  July,  1718,  four  years  after  the 
Queen's  death. 

'  Robert  Livingston,  Jr.,  Mayor  from  1710-1719. 

'  See  appendix. 

'  For  the  text  of  this  letter  see  appendix. 


Building  of  the  First  St.  Peter's  59 

On  April  14,  1715,  the  Common  Council  resolved  to 
send  "an  express  with  a  canoe"  to  New  York  for 
legal  counsel.  The  letters  were  written  by  the  deputy 
clerk,  Mr.  Philip  Livingston,  to  two  lawyers  of  reputa- 
tion, Mr.  Robert  Livingston  and  Mr.  Thomas  George.' 
Mr.  Robert  Livingston  was  the  founder  of  the  well 
known  American  family,  and,  after  having  served  Albany 
in  various  official  stations,  was  then  a  member  of  the 
Assembly.  Mr.  George  was  considered  able  and  astute. 
With  such  counsel  it  was  thought  the  cause  could  not 
fail,  but  even  the  powerful  aid  of  Mr.  Livingston  did 
no  more  than  delay  the  work. 

On  May  19,  1715,  the  authorities  of  the  city  went  to 
the  church-lot,  forbade  the  workmen  to  continue  their 
work,  and,  when  they  disregarded  the  admonition, 
resolved  to  prosecute  them  at  law.  How  far  the  legal 
proceedings  went  does  not  appear.  Mr.  Barclay  in  a 
letter  written  on  May  25,  17 19,  speaks  of  "being 
obliged  to  travel  several  times  to  New  York  for  remov- 
ing the  stop  illegally  put  to  their  work."  He  also 
mentions  "  the  making  of  four  thousand  bricks  for 
beautifying  the  windows  and  the  gavel  ends."  Finally 
all  obstacles  were  overcome  and,  to  the  great  joy  of  the 
harassed  missionary  and  the  congregation,  the  church  was 
completed  and  opened  (as  Mr.  Barclay  informed  the 
Propagation  Society  in  a  letter  dated  June  28,  1717), 
"on  the  25th  day  of  November,  on  which  day  he 
preached  before  a  considerable  audience  who  gave  a  hand- 
some offering,  and  the  day  after  the  soldiers  of  the  two 

'  For  foil  text  of  these  letters,  see  appendix. 


6o  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Independent  companies  subscribed  fifty  pounds  towards 
building   a  gallery."  ' 

Mr.  Barclay's  efforts  to  accomplish  this  result  and 
some  unexplained  complications  with  those  associated 
with  him,  left  him  responsible  for  a  debt  of  two  hun- 
dred and  twenty-five  pounds.  He  sought  subscriptions 
in  New  York  and  elsewhere,  but  did  not  secure  any 
large  portion  of  the  amount.  His  pastoral  work  con- 
tinued to  be  successful,  the  garrison  attended  regularly, 
Schenectady  still  was  visited  and  many  of  the  people  of 
Albany  became  members  of  the  parish.  The  outlook 
was  encouraging  for  a  strong  and  vigorous  parish,  when 
suddenly  the  efforts  of  persons  hostile  to  the  Church  or 
to  Mr.  Barclay  induced  the  Propagation  Society  on 
March  6,  17 16,"  to  withdraw  their  stipend  of  fifty 
pounds. 

It  must  be  remembered  that  the  Society,  across  the 
sea,  had  a  difficult  task  to  sift  the  rumors  prejudicial  to 
the  Colonial  Church.    Dr.  Humphrey,  in  his  "Account, " 

briefly  says: 

"  Sometime  afterward  it  was  represented  to  the  Society,  that  since  Mr. 
Barclay  had  a  salary  as  chaplain  to  the  garrison  at  Albany,  that,  with  the 
voluntary  contributions  of  the  people  who  came  to  the  new  church,  would 
he  a  sufficient  maintenance;   the  Society  therefore  withdrew  his  salary." 

Humphrey  gives  this  sketch  of  the  building  of  the 
church. 

"  Thus  for  near  seven  years  he  preached  upon  sufferance  in  a  small 
chapel  belonging  to  the  Dutch  congregation.  This  chapel  being  much 
decayed,  he  concerted  with  some  members  of  the  church  communion  to 
try  to  get  subscriptions  for  building  a  church.      He  found  the  people  very 

'  Letter  of  Mr.  Barclay  as  abstracted  for  the  Journal  of  the  Society. 
See  appendix. 

^  It  is  to  be  remembered  that  until  1752  the  year  commenced  in 
England  on  March  25;  this  date  would,  then,  in  the  present  style  be 
March  6,  1717. 


'I'he  First  Hi.  Peter  s,  ij/j-/Soj 

From   .uf-old  Water    Color  about  r8oo 


Pb<it</gi\. 


Mr.  Augustus-  Pru\ii 


'-.  fiuicn 


WIN 


i  SI  ted  ar 


the   Pr: 

','   to   withdraw    t 


i  !«■>. 


the  CoJo.ua  i  eh*a>ch!"B1-^-i  Vccount. 

hry.  ' 


.;,..,  \^ 


^ 


Building  of  the  First  St.  Peter's  6i 

zealous  to  carry  on  this  design.  The  Governor  of  the  Province  Robert 
Hunter,  Esq.  contributed  very  generously  and  encouraged  others  to  do 
so:  besides  his  subscription  money,  he  gave  all  the  stone  and  lime  for 
building  the  church.  The  town  of  Albany  gave  presently  zoo jQ.  and 
even,'  inhabitant  in  the  poor  village  of  Schenectady  gave  something 
excepting  onlv  one  very  poor  man,  which  in  the  whole  amounted  to 
50^.  New  York  money;  King's  County,  Long  Island  and  many  other 
places  contributed  largely.  Nay,  the  soldiers  of  the  Garrison  at  Albany 
were  very  zealous,  and  contributed  almost  beyond  Belief.  The  two 
Independent  Companies  of  Colonel  Richard  Ingoldsby  and  Colonel 
Peter  Matthews  gave  loo^^.,  every  private  centinel  gave  something, 
some  ten  shillings  and  others  twenty,  and  their  officers  generously.  Above 
600^.  was  soon  subscribed  and  in  about  a  year  and  a  half  a  very  hand- 
some stone  Building  was  raised,  58  feet  in  length  and  42  in  breadth;  it 
was  opened  in  November,  17 16  and  Divine  Service  performed  in  it." 

After  this  happy  realization  of  their  wishes  the 
missionary  and  people  worked  together  with  zeal  to 
strengthen  and  build  up  the  parish. 

The  records  of  the  church  begin  with  17 18.  They 
are  contained  in  a  curious  little  quarto  volume  pre- 
served in  the  vestry  safe  of  St.  Peter's.  It  is  bound 
in  a  flexible  cover  of  "  serge  de  London,"  having 
stamped  in  red  and  blue  the  head  of  George  I  and  the 
royal  arms.  On  the  first  page  is  written  in  a  bold 
clerkly  hand: 

"The  Church  Book 
Began  y*^  15th  Aprill  17 18 
In  Albany  " 

On  the  second  page  is  a  memorandum  in  another 
hand  of  burials  in  the  church  from  April,  1729.  On 
the  third  page  the  clerk  had  made  the  following  entry : 

"Memorandum,  this  15th  day  of  April  1718,  assembled  then  in  the 
church,  y''  minister,  church  wardens  and  church  sidesmen  and  the  com- 
municants to  choose  church  wardens  for  the  vear  ensuing  and  Mr.  Wm. 
Hogan  was  chosen  accordingly  for  the  ensuing  year." 


62  Saint  Peter's  Church 

This  has  been  erased  with  four  pen  scratches  and  Mr. 
Barclay  corrects  the  memorandum  thus: 

This  memoranduin  is  false  as  Jonathan  Rumney  has  re- 
corded it  above  fFor  on  the  I  5th  day  of  April  1 7  1 8  Mr. 
John  Dunbar  and  Mr.  William  Hogan  were  chosen 
church  wardens  and  the  foresaid  Dunbar  refusing  to 
/  serve  Mr.  Hogan  did  officiate  for  that  year,  this  is  the 
'7^°  j    truth  to  wh  I  affix  my  hand  this   9th  day  of  June    1720. 

THO  BARCLAY 

Minister  of  the  Church 

in  Albany." 

A  cash  account,  carefully  kept,  follows.  The  first 
items  of  expense  are  for  "a  pale  "  four  shillings,  "  to 
the  lawyer  on  behalf  of  the  church,"  five  pounds  and 
ten  shillings.  The  next  entry  reminds  us  of  the  days 
when  large  windows  filled  with  white  glass  reaching  to 
the  ceiling  were  in  vogue,  "  pd  John  Bowman  opening 
ye  casements  nine  pence."  Rachel  Ratclif  was  for 
many  years  the  bell  ringer  and  received  a  salary  of  seven 
shillings  and  six  pence  a  quarter.  Sigh  McGregory  was 
the  sexton  receiving  nine  shillings  a  quarter,  Jonathan 
Rumney  "for  keeping  y"  book"  received  three  shil- 
lings a  quarter.  The  first  clerk  was  Sergeant  John 
Oliver  who  received  two  pounds  a  quarter.  From  the 
number  of  entries  of  payments  for  "  bread  and  wine  for 
y"  communion,"  it  may  be  inferred  that  the  Holy 
Communion  was  celebrated  more  frequently  than  once  a 
quarter  as  was  the  lax  custom  of  the  period.  The 
receipts  are  exclusively  from  collections  made  in  church 
and  range  from  two  shillings  to  a  pound  and  a  half. 
The  receipts  from  April  171 8  to  February  17 19  were 
i-]£,  IIS,  ii^d,  and  the  expenditures  were  lo^,  js, 
od.      The  next  year  the  expenses  were  \T,£,  4s,  7/4^d  ; 


Building  of  the  First  St.  Peter's  63 

for  1720-21,  the  income  was  26;^,  15s,  lo^^d,  and  the 
expenses  10^,  lis,  yd. 

There  are  no  entries  for  any  payments  towards  the 
salary  of  the  minister.  Mr.  Barclay  had  received 
a  stipend  of  fifty  pounds  from  the  Propagation  Society 
and  an  allowance  as  chaplain  at  Fort  Albany.  His 
whole  income  was  never  more  than  one  hundred  pounds. 
Upon  this  he  lived  and  brought  up  a  family,  although 
his  letters  to  the  Society  show  his  terrible  struggle  to 
keep  himself  and  his  household  from  starving.  He  had 
married  Anna  Dorothea  Drauyer,  a  daughter  of  Andrew 
Drauyer,  an  Admiral  in  the  Dutch  service,  who  in  1674 
was  schout  (Sheriff)  of  Willemstadt,  as  Albany  was  then 
called.  Four  children  were  born  to  them;  Henry,  the 
eldest  son,  was  afterward  his  father's  successor  at  Albany, 
and  subsequently  rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York. 
City.' 

Mr.  Barclay  was  a  free  holder  of  the  city  in  1720, 
living  in  the  first  ward."  His  land  adjoined  that  sold 
in  1740  to  Philip  Livingston,  Junr.  and  was  situated  on 
what  was  called  "the  plain."'  He  continued  to  reside 
in  Albany  until  his  death.  The  last  letter  he  wrote  to 
Secretary  of  the  S.  P.  G.  is  dated  "13  June,  1721"  in 
which  he  pleads  earnestly  for  some  assistance  and  says 
that  the  withdrawal  of  the  stipend  by  the  Society  has 
reduced  him  "to  want  of  bread  and  to  great  suffering 
for  his  family  of  eight  persons."  His  load  of  debt  was 
so  great  that  he  was  "obliged  to  keep  within  doors  not 
daring  to  step  abroad  on  week  daies  to  perform  Divine 
Service,  and  for  a  Minister  to  be  confined  to    his  house 

'  See  sketch  of  Mr.  Barclay  in  appendix. 

^  Documentary  History  of  New  York.      I,  p.  320. 

°  Munsell's  Annals.      X,  p.  91. 


64  Saint  Peter's  Church 

being  eight  in  family  (as  I  hinted  before)  and  not  a 
morsel  of  bread  to  eat,  methinks  this  melancholy  story 
should  stir  up  compassion  in  the  hardest  heart,  far  more 
in  the  breasts  of  the  most  charitable  corporation  in  the 
World.'" 

The  Society  acknowledged  their  error  of  judgment. 
In  a  letter  from  the  Secretary,  Sept.  5th,  1721,  Mr. 
Barclay's  name  was  restored  to  the  list  of  missionaries, 
ten  pounds  were  granted  him  "in  consideration  of  the 
hard  circumstances  he  lieth  under,"  and  he  was  given 
the  choice  of  removing  either  to  Rye  or  Jamaica.  The 
mission  of  Christ  Church,  Rye,  was  then  vacant  by  the 
death  of  the  Rev.  Christopher  Bridge  on  May  22,  17 19 
and  the  Rector  of  Jamaica,  the  Rev.  Thomas  Poyer, 
officiated  to  the  great  acceptance  of  the  people  who  sent 
a  formal  request  for  his  transfer  to  Rye.  This  was  the 
reason  for  the  choice  given  to  Mr.  Barclay. 

This  action,  while  it  showed  that  the  Society  was 
willing  to  atone  for  its  error,  came  too  late  to  afford  any 
relief  to  the  faithful  pioneer  who  had  worked  wisely 
and  well  for  the  good  estate  of  the  Church.  Mr. 
Barclay's  anxiety  and  despondency  brought  on  an  acute 
attack  of  melancholy  which  was  succeeded  by  violent 
insanity.  He  was  confined  in  a  dark  room  and  con- 
stantly watched.  Mrs.  Barclay,  on  May  22,  1722, 
answered  the  Secretary's  announcement  by  a  pathetic 
letter  in  which  she  says:  "  Whilst  it  pleaseth  Almighty 
God  to  suffer  my  husband  Thomas  Barclay,  to  be 
taken  from  his  Family,  I  his  espouse  presume  in  his 
behalf  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  hon'rs  by 
a  letter  from  Mr.  Secretary  Umphreys,  dated  ye  5th  of 
Sept."  She  attributes  Mr.  Barclay's  "present  calam- 
ity"  to  the   delay   of   remittances   from    England,   and 


Building  of  the  First  St.  Peter's  65 

the  "Many  oppositions  he  has  met  on  account  of  the 
Church  and  other  misfortunes  that  have  attended  him 
whilst  here.  "^ 

A  memorial  from  the  clergy  of  New  York  and  New 
Jersey,  dated  July  5,  1722,  speaks  of  Mr.  Barclay's 
"  deplorable  condition,"  commends  his  faithfulness  and 
diligence  in  his  cure,  and  asks  assistance  for  his  family 
"now  reduced  to  poverty.""  The  Society  took  action 
on  February  13,  1723,  by  its  committee,  which  agreed 
"  that  his  case  be  recommended  to  the  Society  as  a 
matter  of  compassion,  and  that  they  be  moved  to  make 
him  such  a  gratuity  as  they  think  proper."  On  March 
21,  1723,  the  Society  appropriated  ten  pounds  for  his 
present  relief  and  on  April  26,  twenty  pounds  more 
were  allowed. 

Mrs.  Barclay  gratefully  acknowledged  this  aid  and 
asked  for  further  assistance  as  her  husband  con- 
tinued insane.  Her  letter  was  considered  at  a  meeting 
of  the  Society  on  July  17,  1724,  and  the  Secretary 
directed  to  enquire  whether  Mr.  Barclay's  allowance 
from  the  Crown  was  paid  to  him.  The  Secretary 
reported  on  August  21  that  "  the  salary  of  Fifty  pounds 
per  annum  by  the  Crown  is  still  continued  and  paid  to 
him.  "  The  Society  then  seems  to  have  dismissed  the 
consideration  of  Mr.  Barclay's  case  as  this  is  the  last 
item  concerning  him  found  upon  its  records. 

Mr.  Barclay  continued  gradually  to  fail  in  bodily 
strength  until  his  death  about  1726.  He  never 
recovered  his  reason.  His  light  went  out  in  darkness, 
but  his  work  was  excellent  and  enduring. 

'  See  appendix. 
'  For  memorial  see  appendix. 
See  extracts  from  Mss.  journal  S.  P.  G.  in  appendix. 
5 


CHAPTER  IV 

CHURCH  WORK  AT  ALBANY  AND  FORT  HUNTER 

REguEST  for  a  successor  to  the  Rev.  Thomas  Barclay,  1725. — Appoint- 
ment of  the  Rev.  John  Milne,  1726. — His  arrival  at  Albany,  1727. — 
Establishes  a  school  for  negroes  under  Mr.  John  Beasley,  1732. — 
Revives  the  Mohawk  mission,  1727-173 2. — Mr.  Henry  Barclay 
catechist  at  Fort  Hunter,  1735-1738. — Removal  of  Mr.  Milne  to 
Christ  Church,  Shrewsbury,  N.  J.,  1737. — Ordination  of  Mr.  Henry 
Barclay,  1 738.— Appointment  to  Albany  and  the  Mohawk  mission, 
1738. — His  success  as  a  parish  priest  and  Indian  missionary,  1 738-1 744. 
— Outbreak  of  King  George's  War,  1745. — Alarm  on  the  frontier, 
1744. — Mr.  Barclay  becomes  Rector  of  Trinity  Church  New  York 
City,   1746. — Suspension  of  services  at  Albany,  1746. — 1749- 

DURING  Mr.  Barclay's  years  of  insanity  very  few 
services  were  held  in  the  new  church.  It  was  a 
dreary  time  of  closed  doors  and  suspended  animation 
for  the  Church  people  of  Albany.  The  departure  of 
Mr.  Andrews,  after  an  incumbency  of  six  years  left 
also  the  Mohawk  mission  vacant.  Even  before  Mr. 
Barclay's  death  an  effort  was  made  to  fill  his  place. 
A  letter  to  the  Bishop  of  London  from  W.  Bennett/ 
dated  at  New  York,  July  7,    1725  says: 

"  Mr.  Barclay,  the  minister  of  the  English  Church  at  Albany  in  this 
Province,  had  the  misfortune  to  lose  his  senses  about  four  years  ago  and 
continues  yet  in  the  same  unhappy  condition.  His  congregation  have 
waited  this  long  in  hopes  of  his  recovery  but  finding  no  reason  to  expect 
it  they  are  now  very  desirous  of  a  missionary." 

The  writer  urges  the  appointment  as  much  injury 
was  done  to  the  Church  by  the  interruption  of  services 

'  Probably  an  officer  of  the  garrison  at  Albany. 


Church  Work  at  Albany  and  Fort  Hunter      67 

and  pastoral  work.  In  a  second  letter  written  from 
New  York  on  June  24,  1726  he  again  asks  that  a 
missionary  be  sent,  and  suggests  that  the  clergyman 
selected  be  an  Englishman  as  "  Mr.  Barclay,  the  late 
minister,  spoke  so  broad  Scotch  that  it  was  difficult  to 
understand  him." 

On  June  24,  1725,  a  petition  was  sent  to  the  Society 
by  Capt.  Henry  Holland  and  Capt.  Lancaster  Symes, 
the  wardens  of  St.  Peter's,  asking  for  a  clergyman.' 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey,  the  Bishop  of  London's  com- 
missary, also  wrote  asking  that  a  new  appointment  be 
made  for  Albany.  The  Bishop  of  London,  to  whom 
the  choice  was  left,  selected  the  Rev.  John  Milne.  Of 
his  antecedents  there  is  no  knowledge.  Probably  he 
studied  medicine  before  receiving  Holy  Orders.  In  the 
Fall  of  1726  it  was  known  that  a  clergyman  "was  on 
his  way."  The  date  of  his  arrival  can  be  conjectured 
only  from  the  entries  in  the  "  Church  Book,"  the  first 
after  172 1,  being  December  9,  1727.  The  abstract  of 
the  Society  for  1727  says: 

"  The  applications  from  several  plantations  in  America  have  in  some 
measure  been  answered  by  sending  the  Reverend  Mr.  Caner  missionary 
to  Fairfield,  Connecticut,  New  England,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Miller  to  Brain- 
tree  in  New  England,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Miln  to  Albany  in  the  Province  of 
New  York." 

There  were  at  this  time  in  the  Province  of  New 
York  six  missionaries,  five  schoolmasters,  and  one  cate- 
chist,  supported  principally  by  their  stipends  from  the 
Propagation  Society.  The  Rector  of  Trinity  Church, 
New  York,  the  Rev.  Wm.  Vesev,  was  maintained  by 
the  parish.      His  assistant,  the  Rev.  Richard  Charlton, 

'  For  this  petition  see  appendix. 


68  Saint  Peter's  Church 

served  as  catechist  for  the  Indians  and  negroes  and 
received  an  allowance  of  fifty  pounds  from  the  Society. 
The  schoolmasters  received  annually  ten  pounds  as  "  an 
encouragement. 

Mr.  Milne  received  a  stipend  of  fifty  pounds  for  his 
services  as  missionary  at  Albany  and  among  the  Mo- 
hawks. The  first  entry  in  the  "  Church  Book"  after 
his  arrival  is  on  December  9th  when  i^T,  7s,  3d,  were 
collected  by  Lancaster  Symes  for  church  expenses. 

The  new  missionary's  first  report  to  the  Society  is 
thus  condensed  in  the  Abstract  for  1728-9: 

"  From  the  Reverend  Mr.  Milne,  Minister  at  Albany,  New  York, 
That  the  number  of  his  constant  Hearers  is  at  least  a  Hundred,  the  num- 
ber of  communicants  at  Easter  last  29,  and  that  he  has  baptized  there  8 
children  and  I  adult  person.  That  last  winter  he  went  to  visit  the 
Mohawk  Indians,  (among  whom  there  was  formerly  a  missionary,)  about 
forty  miles  from  Albany,  with  the  Interpreter  of  the  Province,  where  he 
stayed  at  their  earnest  Request,  administered  the  Sacrament  and  baptized 
6  children:  He  says  he  resolves  to  visit  them  three  or  four  times  a  year. 
That  he  hath  instructed  a  Frenchman  from  Canada,  who  hath  renounced 
the  errors  of  the  Church  of  Rome  before  the  Congregation,  and  that 
fifty  children  come  with  their  Schoolmaster  to  prayers  twice  a  week, 
where  they  give  an  account  of  their  Catechism." 

Mr.  Milne  was  thorough,  systematic  and  acceptable  to 
the  congregation  of  St.  Peter's.  There  was  an  increase 
both  in  the  attendance  at  the  services  and  in  the  offerings. 
In  1728-9  a  pulpit  was  erected,  and  a  seat  built  for 
the  Governor  at  a  cost  of  twelve  pounds,  two  shillings 
and  seven  pence,  defrayed  by  a  special  subscription. 
This  seat  probably  was  canopied,  cushioned,  and  cur- 
tained, like  the  few  that  still  remain  in  old  colonial 
churches.  A  good  example  may  be  seen  in  Christ 
Church,  Shrewsbury,  N.  J.' 

'  For  an  illustration  of  this  see  Century  Magazine,  May,  1888,  p.  1 1 1 . 


Church  Work  at  Albany  and  Fort  Hunter      69 

A  second  letter  from  Mr.  Milne  to  the  Society  is 
dated  Nov.  3d,  1729.  In  the  abstract  for  1729  it  is 
thus  epitomized : 

"  From  the  Reverend  Mr.  Miln,  minister  at  Albany  in  New  York: 
"  That  his  congregation  is  increased;  that  the  number  of  his  com- 
municants at  Easter  last  were  34,  that  he  had  baptised  10  children  and 
2  adults,  one  of  these  a  negroeman.  Then  he  has  been  again  to  visit 
the  Mohawk  Indians,  administered  the  Sacrament  to  ten,  and  baptised 
two  English  and  three  Indian  children  there;  and  shall  continue  his 
visits  to  them." 

On  January  2d,  1729-30,  John  Dunbar,  who  was 
intending  to  remove  to  Schenectady,  and  who  for  many 
years  had  been  warden  of  the  parish,  formally  released 
to  the  rector,  church  wardens  and  vestry  in  the  pres- 
ence of  Edward  Holland  and  John  Beasley,  all  prop- 
erty and  claim  he  had  as  one  of  the  patentees  "for  a 
certain  piece  of  ground  lying  and  being  in  the  city  of 
Albany  whereon  y"  Church  according  to  the  Liturgy  of 
y"  Church  of  England  now  stands." 

That  the  people  were  prudently  mindful  of  the  com- 
fort of  their  minister  and  the  necessity  of  providing 
for  him  a  suitable  house  the  following  entry  shows : 

'"Albany,  March  y«  31st,  1730,  Resolved  by  y*^  church  wardens 
and  vestry  that  the  overplus  of  the  church  money  if  it  doth  not  exceed 
eight  pounds  shall  be  paid  to  y«  present  minister  for  his  house  rent,  if  the 
overplus  be  less  at  the  expiration  of  the  year  he  must  be  satisfied  with 
what  overplus  there  is.'" 

On  March  ist,  1730-31,  a  fire  damaged  the  church. 
In  the  entry  of  charges  for  "the  reparation  of  the 
church,"  which  amounted  to  nineteen  pounds,  seven 
shillings  and  seven  pence,  this  item  is  suggestive:  "a 
pint  and  a  half  of  rum,  is,  6d."      In  the  abstract  of  the 

'  MS.  Church  Book  of  S.  Peter's  Parish. 


70  Saint  Peter's  Church 

S.  P.  G.    for    1730-1,  the  good  work,  done  in  Albany 
and  among  the  Mohawks  is  thus  recorded : 

"  The  Rev.  Mr.  Miln  at  Albany  writes  an  account.  That  his  con- 
gregation increases  and  the  number  of  his  communicants,  and  that  he  had 
baptised  24  children  and  three  grown  persons.  That  he  continues  to  go 
and  visit  the  Mohawk  Indians  constantly  four  times  in  the  year,  that  he 
administers  the  Sacrament  to  the  instructed  Indians  and  baptises  their 
children  and  that  he  stays  with  hem  (them.')  five  days  every  time.  That 
he  employs  the  Interpreter  of  the  Province  in  translating  his  Discourse 
into  the  Indian  Language,  and  in  assisting  in  instructing  the  Indians 
already  Christians  and  such  as  are  desirous  of  and  prepare  themselves 
for  Baptism,  and  that  his  constant  Hearers  at  this  place  are  about  50 
Indians  and  as  many  Europeans." 

At  this  time  the  slave  trade  was  beginning  to  exercise 
its  baleful  influence  on  the  colonies  and  to  fill  the 
country  with  negroes  ignorant  of  morality  and  Christ- 
ianity. It  was  among  the  pious  intentions  of  the 
Propagation  Society  that  these  slaves  should  be  taught 
Christian  faith  and  morals.  Wherever  practicable 
school  masters  were  appointed  who  received  a  small 
allowance  from  the  Society.  The  burghers  of  Albany 
and  farmers  in  the  surrounding  country  did  not  scruple 
to  purchase  negroes.  The  accounts  given  of  the  manner 
in  which  they  were  treated  by  their  masters  show  how- 
ever that  slavery  assumed  its  mildest  form  on  the  banks 
of  the  Hudson.'  A  school  for  the  negroes  was  estab- 
lished at  Albany  and  for  many  years  did  a  useful  work 
under  the  care  of  Mr.  John  Beasley. 

The  abstract  of  the  S.  P.  G.  for  the  year  1731  says 
of  Mr.  Milne: 

"  The  commanding  officer  of  the  Garrison  of  Fort  Hunter  at  the 
Mohawk  Castle  certifies  to  the  Society  That  Mr.  Miln  attended  in  the 

'  See  Memoirs  of  an  American  Lady  by  Mrs.  Anne  Grant,  Albany, 
Munsell,  1876.      pp.  51--56. 


Church  Work  at  Albany  and  Fort  Hunter       71 

chappel  of  the  Garrison  5  or  6  times  in  the  year  in  Summer  and 
Winter  and  had  taken  indefatigable  Pains  in  instructing  the  Indians  in 
the  principles  of  the  Christian  religion  and  baptising  their  children, 
and  that  thro  his  pious  labours  they  were  much  civilized  and  he  was 
held  in  great  esteem  among  them." 

The  vestry  meeting  of  April  10,  1732  passed  the 
following  resolution: 

"  Tis  resolved  by  y'=  above  written  church  wardens  &  vestry  that 
y""  minister  shall  receive  for  the  marriage  of  any  two  of  his  congrega- 
tion y«  sum  of  twelve  shills  &  y'^'  dark  for  recording  and  bringing 
water  for  baptism  one  shillin  &  six  pence :^To  y'  minister  for  funeral 
service  twelve  shills  &  for  the  dark  one  shill  &  six  pence." 

These  fees  at  that  time  were  commonly  known  as 
"  surplice  fees,"  or  fees  of  the  register.  It  is  not 
probable  that  any  fees  excepting  for  marriages  were 
exacted  by  the  Church  of  England  clergy  in  the  colonies. 
The  excessive  fee  system  was  one  of  the  practices  of  the 
English  establishment  bitterly  spoken  against  by  the 
Puritans  when  they  sought  a  new  home  in  America. 
Albany,  however,  had  no  appreciable  Puritan  element 
in  the  first  half  of  the  eighteenth  century.  There  are  a 
few  interesting  personal  details  which  we  gather  from 
the  "  Church  Book."   The  first  of  these  is  : 

<<  17J1 — June  13 — no  collection  Mr.  Miln  having  fallen  from  his 
horse. 

July  ,3 — no  collection  Mr.  Miln  being  at  Fort  Hunter." 

In  1732  the  work  of  the  negro  school  was  com- 
menced auspiciously  and  thus  made  known  to  the 
Society : 

"  The  Rev.  Mr.  Miln  minister  at  Albany  recommended  to  the 
Society  one  Mr.  Beasly  schoolmaster  there  for  his  diligence  in 
instructing  the  negroes  of  that  place  :  and  Mr.  Beasly  by  Letter 
acquainted  the  Society,  that    he   upon    seeing  such   great    numbers    of 


72  Saint  Peter's  Church 

them  in  that  city  utterly  ignorant  of  God  and  His  Holy  Religion  was 
greatly  concerned  and  therefore  asked  some  of  the  soberest  negroes  if 
they  were  willing  to  be  instructed  in  the  Church  catechism  and  the 
Principles  of  the  Christian  Faith  ?  They  presently  appeared  very 
willing  and  his  House  was  in  a  short  time  filled  with  them  and  they 
continue  coming  at  times  especially  on  Sundays ;  the  Society  have 
made  a  gratuity  to  Mr.  Beasly  for  his  labour  in  instructing  the  negroes." 
The  Society  also  have  received  an  account  from  Mr.  Beasly  school- 
master at  Albany  in  the  Province  of  New  York  :  That  he  hath  lately 
instructed  8  negroes,  viz.  6  adults  and  2  children  who  have  been 
baptised  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Miln  the  Society's  missionary  at  Albany." 

No  details  of  baptisms  or  other  official  acts  can  now 
be  obtained,  as  the  early  registers  of  the  parish  have 
disappeared,  and  only  as  such  facts  appear  in  the  reports 
of  the  Society  can  we  judge  of  the  results  of  the  work. 
For  the  Mohawk  mission  there  are  statistics  found  in  a 
private  Journal  kept  by  the  first  catechist,  Henry  Bar- 
clay,^ who,  seeing  the  need  of  constant  service  among 
the  Indians  during  the  portion  of  the  year  when  they 
were  at  home  from  their  hunting  expeditions,  felt  it  his 
duty  to  go  among  them,  learn  their  language,  gain  their 
affection  and  thus  win  them  to  Christianity.  During 
1734—5  Mr.  Milne  baptized  in  Albany  twenty  two 
infants,  as  we  learn  from  Mr.  Barclay's  private  register; 
among  the  Mohawks  there  were  in  the  same  year  twenty 
baptisms,  five  marriages  and  two  funerals.  The  work 
was  not  discouraging  although  difficult.  In  1735  the 
commanding  officer  of  Fort  Hunter  again  writes  to  the 
Society  stating: 

"  That  the  Indians  were  very  much  civilized  of  late,  which  he 
imputed  to  the  industry  and  pains  of  the  Rev.  John  Miln;  that  he  was 
very  diligent  in    baptising   both  the    children  and   adults;  and  that   the 

'  This  Journal  is  among  the  valuable  manuscripts  of  the  New  York 
Historical  Society. 


Church  Work  at  Albany  and  Fort  Hunter       jt, 

number  of  communicants  was   daily   increasing.      Many  of  the  Indians 
were  becoming  very  orderly  and  observed  the  Sabbath. ' 

Mr.  Milne  had  for  ten  years  done  faithful  service  as  a 
frontier  missionary.  He  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the 
Indian  mission  grow  in  strength  and  interest,  the  con- 
gregations at  Albany  increase,  a  catechetical  school 
established,  the  revenues  of  the  parish  satisfactory,  and 
felt  that  now  the  time  had  come  for  him  to  seek  a  more 
southern  climate  and  less  arduous  work.  The  parish  of 
Christ  Church,  Shrewsbury,  one  of  the  earliest  estab- 
lished in  New  Jersey,  by  the  labors  of  Keith  and  Tal- 
bot, was  vacant  by  the  death  of  the  Rev.  John  Forbes, 
"a  man  of  excellent  spirit."  Mr.  Milne  petitioned  to 
be  transferred  to  that  parish,  and  recommended  as  his 
successor  at  Albany,  Mr.  Henry  Barclay,  the  son  of  the 
first  missionary.  He  was  a  young  man,  born  in  Albany, 
well  known  and  loved  for  his  own  sake  and  that  of  his 
father.^ 

Mr.  Barclay,  impressed  with  the  necessity  of  greater 
vigor  in  the  conduct  of  the  Mohawk  mission,  had  gone 
to  the  banks  of  the  Mohawk  and  opened  a  school  for 
the  instruction  of  the  children.  Gov.  Colden,  a  judi- 
cious friend  of  the  Indians,  a  keen  observer  and  con- 
sistent churchman,  in  the  introduction  to  the  second 
edition  of  his  well  known  "History  of  the  Five 
Nations  depending  on  the  Province  of  New  York,"^ 
thus  speaks  of  his  labors. 

'  Abstract,  S.  P.  G.,  1735-6,  p.  44. 

'  A  sketch  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Barclay  and  a  notice  of  Mr.  Miln  will  be 
found  in  the  appendix. 

'  New  York:  Bradford,  1727  (London:  1730  Watts,)  a  second  edi- 
tion enlarged  appeared  in  1747  under  the  title:  A  History  of  the  Five 
Nations  of  Canada,  «nth  an  account  of  several  nations  in  North  and 
South  America.     The  edition  here  quoted  is  that  of  1755. 


74  Saint  Peter's  Church 

"  These  natives  had  no  teacher  from  that  time'  until  within  these 
few  years  that  a  young  gentleman  out  of  pious  zeal  went  voluntarily 
among  the  Mohawks.  He  was  at  first  entirely  ignorant  of  their 
language,  and  had  no  interpreter,  except  one  of  the  Indians  who  under- 
stood a  little  English,  and  had  in  the  late  missionary's  time  learned  to 
read  and  write  in  his  own  language.  He  learned  from  him  how  to  pro- 
nounce the  words  in  the  translations  which  had  been  made  for  the  late 
missionary's  use.  He  set  up  a  school  to  teach  their  children  to  read 
and  write  their  own  language  and  they  made  surprising  proficiency 
considering  their  master  did  not  understand  their  language.  I  happened 
to  be  in  the  Mohawk  country  and  saw  several  of  their  performances 
where  they  went  through  some  part  of  the  Common  Prayer  with  great 
decency,  I  was  likewise  present  several  times  at  their  private  devotions, 
which  some  of  them  performed  duly  morning  and  evening.  I  had  also 
many  opportunities  of  observing  the  great  regard  they  had  for  this  young 
man  ;  so  far  that  the  fear  of  his  leaving  them  made  the  greatest  restraint 
on  them,  with  which  he  threatened  them  after  they  had  been  guilty  of 
any  offence."  ' 

Mr.  Barclay  while  still  a  catechist  occasionally 
officiated  in  Albany,  probably  while  the  rector  was  in 
the  Mohawk  country.  In  March  1734-5  the  "  Church 
Book  "  has  this  item:  "  Collected  by  do.  Mr.  Henry 
Barclay  preached,  4s.   iid.  "^ 

In  the  correspondence  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Johnson 
of  Stratford,  Conn,  with  various  Bishops  and  clergymen 
in  England  we  have  a  store  house  of  information  con- 
cerning the  Church  in  the  colonies  especially  in  New 
England.  Writing  to  Bishop  Gibson  of  London  from 
"  Stratford,  N.  E.  Nov.   15th,  1737,"  he  says: 

"  But  that  which  gives  me  a  very  sensible  sense  of  concern  for  your 
Lordship's  retirement  at  present  is  a  letter  I  lately  had  from  good  Mr. 

'  Gov.  Colden  refers  here  to  the  first  settled  Mohawk  missionary, 
the  Rev.  William  Andrews  171  2-1 7 1  8. 

'  A  History  of  the  Five  Nations  of  Canada.  London  :  published  for 
Lockyer  Davis,  1755.      Introduction,  p.   19. 

''The  previous  entry  is  :  "Collected  by  Ja.  S.  [James  Stevenson] 
3s.  6d." 


Church  Work  at  Albany  and  Fort  Hunter       75 

Barclay,  who  informs  me  that  he  has  not  yet  had  any  prospect  of 
success  in  his  pious  and  laudable  undertaking,  and  fears  he  must  return 
as  he  went  without  obtaining  Holy  Orders  and  a  mission.  This,  my 
Lord,  would  be  a  very  hard  case  indeed.  For  our  parts,  we  could  not 
have  imagined,  since  there  was  a  vacancy  by  the  death  of  Mr.  Forbes, 
but  that  he  might  have  succeeded  so  far  as  to  have  obtained  Holy  Orders 
either  for  Monmouth  County  or  for  Albany,  in  case  of  Mr.  Miln's 
removal,  with  the  continuation  of  what  the  society  had  settled  upon  him, 
so  that  he  might  be  considerably  serviceable  in  propagating  Christianity 
among  the  Mohawks,  though  the  Society  were  not  in  a  condition  to 
make  a  new  mission  for  the  purpose.  Though,  therefore,  it  would  not 
be  thought  worth  while  to  continue  the  salary  at  Albany,  for  the  sake  of 
the  English,  yet  I  should  be  very  sorry  it  should  be  taken  away,  since  it 
is  so  happy  a  situation  for  enabling  the  incumbent  of  it  to  propagate 
Christianity  among  the  heathen.  So  that  if  your  Lordship  does  not  see 
proper  immediately  to  influence  the  Society  to  continue  the  salary  at 
Albany,  and  the  pension  Mr.  Barclay  has  had  already ;  yet  I  most 
humbly  beg,  you  will  by  some  means  or  other,  contrive  so  to  influence 
that  venerable  Body,  as  that  Mr.  Barclay  may  return  in  orders,  with  a 
mission  for  the  pious  undertaking  in  which  he  is  engaged."  ' 

Dr.  Johnson's  anxiety  lest  the  work  should  suffer  by 
neglect  or  abandonment  was  relieved,  in  the  following 
Spring,  by  the  appearance,  at  his  rectory,  of  the  Rev. 
Henry  Barclay,  bearing  a  letter  from  the  Bishop  of 
London,  which  said: 

"As  this  comes  by  Mr.  Barclay,  I  need  not  say  anything  of  what 
has  been  done  here  with  regard  to  him.  By  all  the  conversation  I  have 
had  with  him  he  seems  a  truly  valuable  man,  and  to  have  both  ability 
and  disposition  to  do  much  good."  ^ 

The  successive  steps  taken  to  bring  about  this  grati- 
fying result  are  thus  detailed  in  the  abstract  for  1738-9: 

"  The  Rev.  Mr.  Miln  sometime  since  petitioned  the  Society  to  be 
removed    from    Albany    to    the  mission   in    Monmouth    County    then 

'Original  Correspondence,  The  Churchman's  Magazine,  1810.  pp. 
310-1 1. 

'  Churchman's  Magazine,  1810.      p.    311. 


76  Saint  Peter's  Church 

vacant  by  the  death  of  Mr.  Forbes,  in  which  he  was  indulged  by  the 
Society;  and  Mr.  Barclay,  son  of  Mr.  Barclay  formerly  missionary  at 
Albany,  born  and  educated  there,  and  at  that  time  the  Society's  Cate- 
chist  among  the  Mohawk  Indians,  was  recommended  by  the  President 
of  the  Council  of  New  York,  by  the  Commissioners  of  Indian  Affairs, 
by  the  missionaries  and  inhabitants  of  the  Province,  as  a  person  of 
good  morals  and  learning  who  had  many  years  applied  himself  with 
great  Diligence  to  attain  the  Language  of  the  neighboring  Indians  and 
made  such  a  progress  as  to  actually  catechise  and  instruct  their  children 
in  the  Mohawk  Tongue.  The  Society  read  their  Petitions  with  great 
Pleasure,  and  sent  for  Mr.  Barclay  to  England,  who  on  his  appearance 
fully  answering  the  good  character  transmitted  of  him  was  ordained 
Deacon  and  Priest,  and  on  Jan.  20  1737  ('737-8)  appointed  the 
Society's  missionary  at  Albany  and  to  the  Mohawk  Indians  with  a 
salary  of  50^  per  annum  to  commence  from  Michaelmas  preceding.'" 

The  high  hopes  of  the  friends  of  the  young  and 
earnest  missionary  were  not  disappointed.  The  Abstract 
for  1738-9  states: 

"  Mr.  Barclay  writes  from  Albany  May  9,  1738  That  through  God's 
mercy  he  is  arrived  safely  at  his  mission  and  very  gladly  received  by 
both  his  congregations,  but  more  especially  by  the  poor  Indians,  who 
many  of  them  shed  tears  of  joy,  he  had  then  resided  five  weeks  at 
Albany,  and  proposed  to  go  up  to  Fort  Hunter  the  next  day,  and  to 
reside  five  weeks  among  the  Indians  and  hopes  through  God's  blessing 
to  do  good  service  among  them."  ' 

Mr.  Barclay  was  again  in  Albany  in  July,  and  pre- 
sided 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  minister  and  communicants  this  26"'  July  1738 
Present.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Barclay,  Minister;  Col.  Jer.  Rensselaer, 
Capt.  Edwd  Clark,  Edward  Holland,  Edward  Collins,  James  Steven- 
son, Thomas  Faring,  John  Waters,  lohn  Oliver,  Daniel  Hewson,  John 
Maighie,  Isaac  Fryer,  Thomas  Floyd,  Robert  Scot,  Thomas  Sharp, 
Brook  Farmar,  Henry  Holland. 

"Capt.  Clark  and  Mr.  Edwd  Collins  were  chosen  church  wardens 
till  Easter  Tuesday  next. 

'Abstracts.  P.  G.      1738-9.      p.   57. 


The  Rev.  Henry  Barclay.,  D.D. 

Rcz-tor  of  St.    Pftti'-,    IJJ8-IJ46 


,\t; 


.-..y    -.tVV 


Church  Work  at  Albany  and  Fort  Hunter       77 

Agreed  with  Mr.  John  Oliver  to  officiate  as  clerk  for  L  8  p.  annum 
from  9"'  June  last,  and  he  to  keep  the  church  clean.'" 

Soon  after  Mr.  Barclay  writes  to  the  Society  that : 

"  On  the  occasion  of  the  gathering  of  the  six  nations  to  renew  their 
league  of  friendship  with  the  English  he  preached  to  large  numbers  of 
them,  and  had  the  satisfaction  of  being  understood  by  all  the  Indians, 
while  the  Mohawks  behaved  so  devoutly,  and  made  their  responses  so 
regularly  as  to  excite  the  admiration  of  all  the  congregation."  ^ 

He,  like  his  father,  understood  the  Dutch  language, 
and  was  often  requested  to  preach  to  the  burghers  in 
their  mother  tongue.  He  was  able  in  1741  to  report 
progress  in  every  respect,  for  "  the  congregation  at 
Albany  consisted  of  one  hundred  and  eighty  English, 
besides  two  independent  companies;^  and  in  the 
Mohawk  country  of  five  hundred  Indians,  settled  in 
two  towns,  at  thirty  miles  distance  from  Albany,  he  had 
sixty  English  and  fifty-eight  Indian  communicants. 
He  further  stated  as  a  satisfactory  test  of  their  moral 
improvement  that  there  was  a  great  decrease  of  the  vice 
of  drunkenness;  not  so  many  cases  having  occurred 
during  the  whole  summer,  as  frequently  occurred  on  a 
single  day  on  his  first  coming  among  them."*  In  a 
letter  to  Governor  Colden  written  December  7""  1741 
he  says : 

"  Drunkenness  was  so  common  among  them  that  I  doubt  whether 
there  was  one  grown  person  of  either  sex  free  from  it.  Seldom  a  day 
passed  without  some,  and  often  forty  or  fifty,  being  drunk  at  a  time. 
But  I  found  they  were  very  fond  of  keeping  me  among  them  and  afraid 
I  would  leave  them,  which  I  made  use  of  to  good  purpose,  daily 
threatening  them  with  my  departure  in  case  they  did  not  forsake  that 

'  Ms.  Church  Book  S.  Peters  Albany. 

"  Hawkins  Missions  of  the  Church  of  England,  p.   284. 

'  These  were  the  garrison  at  the  Fort. 

'Hawkins'  Missions  Church  of  England,  pp.   284-5. 


78  Saint  Peter's  Church 

vice,  and  frequently  requiring  a  particular  promise  from  them  singly, 
by  which  means  through  God's  blessing  there  was  a  gradual  reforma- 
tion, and  I  know  not  I  have  seen  above  ten  or  twelve  persons  drunk 
among  them  this  summer.  The  women  are  almost  entirely  reformed 
and  the  men  very  much.  They  have  entirely  left  off  Divorce,  and 
are  legally  married.  They  are  very  constant  and  devout  at  church 
and  family  devotions.  They  have  not  been  known  to  exercise  cruelty 
to  prisoners,  and  have  in  a  great  measure  left  off  going  a  fighting, 
which  I  find  the  most  difficult  of  all  things  to  persuade  them  from. 
They  seem  also  persuaded  of  the  truths  of  Christianity.  The  greatest 
inconvenience  I  labor  under  is  the  want  of  an  interpreter,  which  could 
I  obtain  for  two  or  three  years  I  would  hope  to  be  tolerable  master  of 
their  language  and  be  able  to  render  it  easier  to  my  successor."  ' 

It  would  be  interesting  to  know  whether  Mr.  Bar- 
clay was  the  first  who  administered  a  formal  total 
abstinence  pledge  in  this  country,  and  the  first  clergyman 
who  sought  to  remove  by  Christian  methods  the  effects 
of  the  criminal  thoughtlessness  of  the  explorers  and 
settlers,  who  by  gifts  of  rum  induced  an  appetite  before 
unknown  to  the  Indians.  The  moral  reformation 
wrought  by  Mr.  Barclay  is  seen  in  the  large  number 
of  marriages  recorded  in  his  Register.  The  following 
are  examples: 

"Sept.  6,  1738,  Brant  to  Lidya  ;  July  7  and  8,  1739,  Abraham 
and  Christina  his  wife,  Oneidi  Indians,  together  with  Chatharina  their 
daughter  were  Baptised.  Abraham  Conostens  and  Gesina  his  wife, 
witnesses.  Karohkyagera  and  Susannah,  Surtis  for  the  child.  The 
said  Abram  and  his  wife  were  also  joined  in  matrimony." 

The  zealous  missionary  was  also  frequently  at 
Schenectady  baptizing  the  children,  marrying  the  young 
men  and  maidens,  visiting  the  sick,  burying  the  dead 
and  preaching  the  Word  both  in  English  and  Dutch. 
In  the  settlement  of  Kinderhook  twelve  miles  south  of 

'  History  of  the  Five  Nations  (Ed.   1755.)  p.  20. 


Church  Work  at  Albany  and  Fort  Hunter       79 

Albany,  we  find  him  officiating  and  baptizing  on  "  Feb- 
ruary y"  15"'  1 740-1,"  and  again  the  following  year. 
In  1743  he  is  able  to  report  to  the  Society  that  two  or 
three  only  of  the  Mohawks  remain  unbaptized  and  that 
with  the  consent  of  the  Governor  he  had  taken  the 
important  step  of  appointing  Mohawk  schoolmasters  in 
the  two  Indian  towns. 

"  Cornelius,  a  Sachem,  at  the  lower,  and  one  Daniel  at  the  upper 
town  who  are  both  very  diligent,  and  teach  the  young  Mohawks  with 
surprising  success."  ' 

The  good  sense  and  energy  with  which  the  minister 
worked  are  seen  in  the  progress  made  in  every  part  of 
his  mission.  On  September  20th,  1744,  Mr.  Barclay 
writes  from  the  Mohawk  country : 

"  That  his  cure  continues  much  in  the  same  state  as  before  ;  500  of 
them  form  a  regular  congregation  and  more  than  60  communicants  ; 
and  the  two  schools  at  the  upper  and  lower  Mohawk  Town  flourish  so 
much  that  there  are  good  grounds  to  hope  their  youth  will  be  so  per- 
fectly trained  up  in  the  way  in  which  they  should  go  that  when  they 
are  old  they  will  not  depart  from  it."  ^ 

It  is  in  the  same  year  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bearcroft, 
the  Secretary,  in  his  sermon  before  the  Society,  taking 
a  retrospect  of  what  had  been  accomplished  by  the 
missions  of  the  Society,  says: 

"  In  the  province  of  New  York  were  25,000  persons  and  one 
church  just  opened  there,  when  the  Society  began  its  beneficent  work. 
Now  there  are  nine  missionaries  supported  by  the  Society  in  which 
there  about  twenty  churches  and  chapels  with  crowded  congregations, 
and  it  hath  been  remarked  to  the  honour  of  the  inhabitants  of  this 
Province  that  they  have  thrown  off  all  their  former  rudeness."  ^ 

'  Quoted  from  the  Original  Letters.  8.  P.  G.  vol.  VII.  1.  95 
of  Hawkins'  Missions,  p.  285. 

'p.  47  Abstract  S.  P.  G.  1744-5. 
^Anniversary  Sermon,  1744-5,  p.  7. 


8o  Saint   Peter's  Church 

The  long  continued  struggle  between  France  and 
England  for  supremacy  upon  the  American  continent 
assumed  a  new  phase  at  this  period.  Intrigue  and  bribery 
through  a  long  series  of  years  gradually  had  alienated 
from  the  English  many  Indians  among  the  Five  Nations, 
formerly  friendly ;  and  even  in  the  Mohawk  nation 
there  were  some  who  favored  the  French.  Settlers  who 
had  penetrated  the  Indian  country  to  the  north  and 
west  of  Albany  were  exposed  to  midnight  attacks  from 
prowling  bands  of  Indians  in  the  employ  of  the  French. 
Their  buildings  were  burned,  their  household  goods 
and  valuables  were  stolen  and  often  whole  families  were 
made  captive  and  carried  into  Canada.  At  length  this 
predatory  warfare  rendered  life  and  property  so  unsafe 
that  open  war  was  declared  by  the  English.  Albany 
county  suffered  severely.  The  Mohawk  country  was 
overrun  by  emissaries  of  the  enemy,  frontier  settle- 
ments were  destroyed,  pillage  and  destruction  reigned. 
Soldiers  were  constantly  passing  through  the  city  of 
Albany,  and  a  common  near  the  "  Flats,"  where  was 
the  hospitable  home  of  Colonel  Philip  and  Madam 
Schuyler  immediately  north  of  the  city  limits,  became 
a  camp  for  the  Provincial  troops.  Mrs.  Grant  in  her 
well  known  "  Memoirs  of  an  American  Lady,"  vividly 
describes  the  ready  kindness  of  Madam  Schuyler  in 
providing  delicacies  and  in  going  among  the  sick 
soldiers  with  words  of  comfort  and  cheer.' 

Under  these  circumstances  Mr.  Barclay  found  that  it 
was  impossible  to  minister  to  the  Indians,  and  that  his 
work  at  Albany,  amid  the  excitement  and  alarm,  could 
not  be  done  efficiently.  During  the  first  year  of  the 
war,   however,   the  regular   services   in   the  parish  were 

'pp.  123-4. 


Church  Work  at  Albany  and  Fort  Hunter      8i 

maintained  as   entries   in   the   "Church   Book"   show. 
In  1745,  Mr.  Barclay  writes  the  Society  : 

"About  the  middle  of  November,  1745,  the  French  Indians  came 
to  an  open  rupture  with  us,  and  with  a  party  of  French  fell  upon  a 
frontier  settlement  which  they  laid  in  ashes  and  made  most  of  the 
inhabitants,  to  the  number  of  about  one  hundred,  prisoners  ;  ever 
since  which  time  they  kept  us  in  a  continual  alarm  by  skulking  parties 
who  frequently  murdered  and  carried  off  poor  inhabitants,  treating 
them  in  the  most  inhuman  and  barbarous  manner  by  which  means  the 
late  populous  county  of  Albany  has  become  a  wilderness  and  numbers 
of  people  who  were  possessed  of  good  estates  are    reduced  to    poverty. 

"  In  the  meantime,  our  Indians  could  not  be  prevailed  upon  to  enter 
into  the  War,  but  have  deceived  us  with  fair  promises  from  time  to 
time  whilst  we  were  convinced  by  undeniable  proofs  that  they  kept  up 
a  correspondence  with  the  enemy."  ' 

From  the  horrors  of  border  warfare  Mr.  Barclay  was 
summoned  to  the  rectorship  of  Trinity  Church,  New 
York.  The  Reverend  William  Vesey,  D.  D.,  for 
nearly  fifty  years  its  rector,  had  died  July  nth,  1746, 
at  the  age  of  seventy-two,  "  after  having  conscientiously 
performed  the  duties  of  his  office  with  unwearied  dili- 
gence and  uncommon  abilities,  to  the  general  satisfaction 
and  applause  of  all."  '" 

In  seeking  a  successor,  the  vestry  of  Trinity  did  not 
act  hastily,  but,  after  having  listened  to  many  clergy- 
men of  New  York  and  neighboring  provinces,  on 
October  17th,  1746: 

"  Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Reverend  Mr.  Henry  Barclay 
be,  and  the  same  Mr.  Henry  Barclay  is  called  as  Rector  of  Trinity 
Church  in  this  City,  and  that  this  Board  present  the  said   Mr.  Barclay 

'  Ms.  Letters,  S.  P.  G.  Vol.  VII-95,  quoted  in  Hawkins'  Missions 
of  the  Church  of  England,  p.  285. 

'  See  Historical  Sketch  of  Trinity  Church,  William  Berrian,  D.  D., 
New  York:  1847.  p.  62;  also  Dr.  Dix's  History  of  the  Parish  ot 
Trinity  Church  in  the  City  of  New  York,  I,  pp.  231,  232. 


82  Saint  Peter's  Church 

to  his   Excellency,  the  Governor,  and  desire   that  he  be  admitted  and 
Instituted  as  Rector  of  and  Inducted  into  the  said  Church."  ' 

In  a  letter  to  the  Bishop  of  London  (Dr.  Edmund 
Gibson),  the  vestry  explained  the  reasons  for  their 
action  in  withdrawing,  from  his  work,  a  missionary  so 
faithful  and  successful. 

"And  ahhough  we  are  well  satisfied  with  his  qualifications  in  all 
respects,  yet  as  he  was  in  the  service  of  the  Honorable  Society,  and 
had  been  instrumental  in  doing  a  vast  amount  of  good  among  the 
heathen,  we  should  not  upon  any  terms  have  presumed  to  have  coun- 
tenanced the  calling  of  him  had  we  not  been  well  satisfied  that  since 
the  war  with  France  he  had  met  with  insupportable  discouragement, 
which  rendered  his  mission  and  well  directed  endeavors  fruitless,  as 
well  as  the  safety  of  his  person  precarious,  among  those  savages  in  the 
Mohawks'  country,  which  with  many  other  parts  of  the  county  of 
Albany,  being  frontiers  of  the  province,  is  now  deserted  by  the 
Christian  Inhabitants  and  almost  laid  waste  by  barbarians  and 
French."  ' 

The  abstract  of  the  Society  for  1748-9,  after  men- 
tioning Mr.  Barclay's  promotion,  continues: 

•' The  Society  became  very  solicitous  that  proper  care  might  be 
taken  to  keep  up  a  due  sense  of  Religion  and  Virtue  among  those 
Indians,  and  therefore  have  made  it  their  earnest  request  to  Mr.  Bar- 
clay to  continue  the  Mohawk  Indians  under  his  care  as  far  as  is  con- 
sistent with  his  cure  of  Trinity  Church,  and  to  look  out  for  some 
proper  person  to  be  appointed  their  Missionary,  as  soon  as  with  safety 
he  might  reside  among  them;  to  which  Mr.  Barclay  by  his  letter  of 
September  28,  1747,  answers  that  he  is  very  much  afraid  it  cannot  be 
done  while  the  war  continues;  and  had  he  the  least  prospect  of  it,  he 
trusts  in  God  no  worldly  consideration  should  have  prevailed  upon 
him  to  lay  down  his  employment  among  them;  and  there  was  at  that 
time  with  him  in  New  York  two  of  the  Chiefs  of  the  Mohawks  whom 

'  Mss.  minutes.  Trinity  Church,  Vol.  I,  Page  235  ;  also  Dr.  Dix's 
History,   p.  240. 

^  Berrian's  Historical  Sketch  of  Trinity  Church,  pp.  67-68  ;  also, 
Dr.  Dix's  History,  p.  242. 


Church  Work  at  Albany  and  Fort  Hunter      83 

he  esteemed  to  be  very  sincere  Christians  and  they  both  promised  him 
to  Iceep  up  a  spirit  of  Christianity  among  their  brethren,  and  there  is  a 
German  clergyman,  in  the  orders  of  the  Church  of  England,  settled 
near  them,  to  whom  the  Society  hath  formerly  been  very  kind,  and  he 
promises  to  take  every  opportunity  during  the  war  that  with  safety  he 
may  to  visit  and  administer  to  them;  so  that  upon  the  whole  there  are 
hopes  of  keeping  alive  both  the  form  and  power  of  Religion  among 
these  Indians,  and  that  their  Church,  consisting  of  more  than  five 
hundred  members,  will  not  come  to  decay."  ' 

There  had  been  settled  for  some  years  in  the  Mohawk 
Valley,  near  Fort  Hunter,  the  Rev.  John  J.  Oel.  He 
had  been  ordained  in  1722  by  the  Bishop  of  London 
for  work  among  his  countrymen,  the  German  Palatines 
of  New  York.  He  frequently  had  volunteered  his 
services  to  the  Mohawk  missionaries,  who  had  accepted 
them  gladly.  His  first  formal  report  to  the  Society 
is  dated  "Canajoharie,  August  27th,  1754,"  and  is  thus 
mentioned  in  the  abstract  for  1755: 

"  He  had  taken  great  pains  among  them  (the  Indians),  and  in  that 
and  the  preceeding  year  he  had  baptized  39  of  them  and  thrice  adminis- 
tered the  holy  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  amongst  them,  and  he 
hath  formed  another  congregation  of  them  about  eleven  miles  distance  in 
which  there  were  then  only  six  communicants,  but  he  hoped  by  God's 
blessing  upon  his  pious  labors  their  number  would  increase  and  himself 
become  the  happy  Instrument  of  leading  them  out  of  darkness  into  the 
glorious  Light  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ."  " 

Mr.  Oel  seems  to  have  continued  his  work  until 
1777,  although  his  reports  do  not  appear  in  the  abstracts 
of  the  Society.^ 

From  1746  to  1749  there  is  a  gap  in  the  records  of 
St.  Peter's   parish.      It  is  probable  that  occasional  ser- 

'  Abs.  S.  P.  G.,  1748-9,  pp.  57-8. 
'  Abstract  S.  P.  G.   1755,  p.  49,  et  seq. 

'See   Digest   of   the   S.    P.    G.,    C.    F.    Pascoe   (London,     1893), 
pp.  73,  856. 


84  Saint  Peter's  Church 

vices  were  held  during  these  years  by  the  chaplains  of 
regiments  on  their  way  to  the  seat  of  war.  While 
actual  hostilities  had  closed  before  the  signing  of  the 
treaty  of  peace  at  Aix-la-Chapelle,  in  October,  1748, 
the  disturbed  condition  of  the  frontier  made  it  prudent  to 
defer  the  appointment  of  a  clergyman  to  the  Albany 
mission  until  1749. 


CHAPTER  V 

PERIOD  OF  THE  FRENCH  WAR 

Dr.  Barclay's  commendation  of  John  Ogilvie,  1749. — Ordination 
of  Mr.  Ogilvie  and  appointment  to  Albany,  1750. — Renovation  of 
St.  Peter's  and  building  of  the  steeple,  I  75 1. — Mr.  Ogilvie's  work 
among  the  Mohawks,  1750- 1760. — The  French  and  Indian  War, 
1755-1763. — Mr.  Ogilvie  as  an  Army  Chaplain,  1758- 1764. — The 
new  burial  ground  of  St.  Peter's,  1756. — The  Rev.  Thomas  Browne 
at  Albany,  1760. — Mr.  Ogilvie  stationed  in  Canada,  1 760-1  764. — The 
Rev.  Thomas  Browne  appointed  to  St.  Peter's,  1764. — His  difficulties 
with  the  Congregational  missionaries,  1 760. — His  resignation  of  St. 
Peter's,  1767. 

A  ^ /ITH  the  prospect  of  peace  and  the  cessation  of 
*  '  the  terrible  border  warfare  that  had  caused  many 
to  leave  their  homes  in  the  Mohawk  valley  and  other 
frontier  settlements,  there  was  a  desire  that  the  services 
of  the  Church  should  be  resumed  at  Albany  and  among 
the  Mohawks.  The  rector  of  Trinity  Church  had 
promised  the  Bishop  of  London  and  the  Venerable 
Society  to  have  an  oversight  of  the  Albany  mission. 
Mr.  Barclay  had  kept  himself  informed  of  the  progress 
of  events  and  had  cheered  the  hearts  of  his  former 
parishioners  by  frequent  letters.  As  soon  as  he  judged 
it  prudent,  he  selected  for  the  difficult  task  of  reorganiz- 
ing the  work  in  Albany  and  Fort  Hunter  a  young  man 
in  whom  he  had  great  confidence,  who  was  a  recent 
graduate  of  Yale  College,  and  whose  competent  learning 
and  charming  manners  adapted  him  for  the  position. 
In  a  leter  to  the  Bishop  of  London  written  from  New 
York  "2d  January,  1748-9,"  Mr.  Barclay  says: 


86  Saint  Peter's  Church 

"  I  have  engaged  the  bearer  hereof,  Mr.  John  Ogilvie,  to  undertake 
the  mission  to  Albany  and  the  Mohawk  Indians,  if  your  Lordship  shall 
find  him  duly  qualified  for  Holy  Orders."  After  stating  his  literary 
qualifications  and  Dr.  Johnson's  knowledge  of  him,  he  continues :  "  I 
look  upon  him  as  the  best  qualified  for  the  Indian  Mission  of  any  person 
I  could  have  found  on  account  of  his  speaking  the  low  Dutch  language, 
which  I  found  very  useful  to  me,  both  on  account  of  its  conformity  to  the 
Indian  in  pronunciation  as  well  as  the  service  I  was  thereby  enabled  to 
do  to  a  considerable  number  of  the  Dutch  inhabitants  who  arc  entirely 
destitute  of  religious  instruction."  ^z 

Mr.  Ogilvie  had  been  educated  in  the  city  of  New 
York,  which  was  his  home,  and  entered  Yale  College  in 
1744,  graduating  in  1748.  His  studies  were  superin- 
tended by  Dr.  Samuel  Johnson,  who  had  a  high 
opinion  of  him.  He  went  to  England  in  the  winter  of 
1748—9,  taking  with  him  Mr.  Barclay's  letter  of  com- 
mendation and  testimonials  from  the  authorities  of  Yale 
College,  from  Dr.  Johnson  and  the  clergy  of  New  York. 
He  was  received  cordially  by  Dr.  Thomas  Sherlock, 
who  had  recently  been  translated  to  London  from 
Salisbury  as  the  successor  of  the  learned  Edmund 
Gibson.  He  successfully  sustained  the  examinations 
by  the  chaplains  of  the  Bishop.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Bear- 
croft,  the  Secretary  of  the  Propagation  Society,  and  its 
chief  officers,  readily  agreed  that  he  should  be  appointed 
to  Albany  as  soon  as  he  was  ordained.  The  formal 
mention  of  this  fact  is  found  in  the  proceedings  of  the 
annual  meeting  in  February,  1749-50.  Mr.  Ogilvie 
seems  to  have  pursued,  as  did  other  American  candi- 
dates, a  short  course  in  theology  under  the  direction  of 
the  Bishop  of  London.  His  ordination  took  place  at 
Trinitytide,  and  on  June  30,  1749,  he  was  licensed  by 
the  Bishop  of  London  to  officiate  in  the  "Plantations," 
as  the 'American  colonies  were  then  called. 


Period  of  the  French  War  87 

His  official  acts  are  recorded  in  a  manuscript  book, 
carefully  preserved,  of  forty  foolscap  sheets,  which 
evidently  had  once  been  bound  in  covers.  It  is  enti- 
tled, "A  Register  of  Christenings  and  Marriages  kept 
by  the  Rev.  John  Ogilvie,  commencing  June  y"  9th, 
1749."  The  last  entries  are  in  the  year  1764,  but 
from  a  careful  examination  of  the  manuscript  it  is 
apparent  that  other  leaves  followed,  extending  the 
record  to  1774.  Of  the  earlier  years  of  his  ministry  at 
St.  Peter's  this  is  the  only  register.  The  first  record 
was  made  in  London,  when  on  July  9th,  1749,  he 
baptized  at  Southwark,  "Robert,  son  of  William  and 
Elizabeth  Harris."  After  his  arrival  in  New  York, 
the  first  entry  is  the  baptism  on  November  5th,  1749, 
of  "Cornelius,  son  of  Elias  and  Mary  De  Grenshe. "* 
For  a  few  Sundays  he  officiated  at  Norwalk,  Conn., 
where  the  people  "who  greatly  admired  and  applauded 
him  as  a  preacher,"  were  much  disappointed  that  he 
had  accepted  the  Albany  mission  and  could  not  become 
their  pastor.^ 

It  was  while  the  people  of  St.  Peter's  were  awaiting 
their  new  minister,  that  Albany  was  visited  by  a  traveler 
whose  keen  observations  upon  persons  and  places  fur- 
nish interesting  glimpses  of  life  in  the  North  American 
colonies  in  the  middle  of  the  last  century.  Peter  Kalm 
was  a  well  known  botanist  and  a  pupil  of  the  celebrated 
Linnaeus,  who  gave  his  name  to  our  American  laurel.' 
He  was  afterward  professor  at  the  University  of  Abo  in 

'  By  the  courtesy  of  the  late  Mr.  Cornelius  Comstock,  of  New  York 
city,  in  whose  custody  it  then  was,  the  writer  made  a  thorough  exami- 
nation of  this  valuable  document  several  years  since. 

^  History  of  the  Church  in  Norwalk,  Conn.,  in  The  Churchman^ s 
Magazine,  1806,  p.  467. 

'  Kalmia  latifolia. 


88  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Finland.      In   his  "  Travels  in  North  America,"'  there 
is  this  description  of  St.  Peter's: 

"  The  English  Church  is  situated  on  the  hill  at  the  west  end  of  the 
Fort.  It  is  likewise  built  of  stone,  but  has  no  steeple.  There  was  no 
service  at  this  Church  at  this  time,  because  they  had  no  Minister,  and 
all  the  people  understood  Dutch,  the  garrison  excepted."  ^ 

Mr.  Ogilvie  went  to  Albany  in  the  latter  part  of 
February,  1750.  His  first  record  of  any  clerical  ser- 
vice in  that  city  was  the  baptism  on  "  February  y"  27th, 
1750,  of  Cath'r,  negroe  slave  of  Mr.  Luc  Vinegaard." 
He  did  not  formally  take  charge  of  St.  Peter's  Church 
until  the  following  April,  according  to  an  entry  in  the 
"Church  Book:"  "The  first  sermon  y''  Reverend 
Mr.  John  Ogilvie  preached  in  St.  Peter's  Church  in 
Albany,  was  on  the  first  day  of  April,  1750."  With 
his  arrival  new  energy  was  infused  into  every  portion  of 
his  extensive  mission.  His  culture,  affability,  judg- 
ment, varied  knowledge  and  eloquence  gave  him  at 
once  a  position  in  the  community  of  which  the  memory 
long  lingered  in  Albany. 

Very  few  repairs  had  been  made  upon  the  Church 
building  since  its  erection  thirty-five  years  before.  With 
the  prospect  of  larger  congregations  and  an  increased 
revenue,  under  a  rector  who  was  able  to  add  to  the 
Church  many  who  had  been  indifferent,  the  time  had 
come  for  a  complete  renovation  of  the  edifice.  Mr. 
Ogilvie  presided  at  a  meeting  of  some  of  the  parishion- 
ers on  May  6,  1751,  when  a  subscription  paper  was 
drawn  up:  "for  repairing  the  English  Church  in  the 
City  of  Albany,  Building  a  steeple,   purchasing  a   bell 

'  Travels  in  North  America,  by    Peter   Kalm,   Translated    by   John 
Reinhold  Foster,  second  edition,  2  vols.      London,  T.  Lowndes,  1772. 
■'  Munsell's  Annals,  Vol.  I,  p.   147. 


The  Rev.  John   Ogihie,  D.D. 

Rector  of  St.  Peter'  ,    / -,-,i-/-,^_^ 


From  a  Painting  in  l^eslrij  Room  of  Trinity  Chur 


Period  of  the  French  War  89 

and  erecting  a  clock  thereon."  Mr.  Ogilvie  headed 
the  list  of  subscribers  with  eight  pounds,  and  was  fol- 
lowed by  Capt.  Hubert  Marshall  with  ten  pounds, 
James  Stevenson  with  five  pounds.  Other  members  of 
the  parish  gave  sums  ranging  from  one  pound  to  ten 
shillings.  The  whole  amount  then  subscribed  was 
thirty  one  pounds.  The  subscription  list  was  circu- 

lated throughout  the  city  and  a  sufficient  sum  obtained 
to  justify  the  vestry  in  ordering  the  work. 

Mr.  Ogilvie  thus  reports  the  completion  of  the  work 
to  the  Society  in  his  letter  of  June  29th,  1752: 

"  The  Church  had  been  rebuilt  in  the  year  preceding  with  a  handsome 
Steeple  and  a  very  good  Bell,  and  that  all  proper  ornaments  had  been 
provided,  and  the  public  offices  of  religion  are  celebrated  there  with 
great  decency  and  Order. ' '  ' 

It  would  be  interesting  to  have  an  accurate  picture  of 
the  church  after  its  renovation  in  1751.  None  of  the 
missionaries  in  their  letters  described  either  the  exterior 
of  the  building  or  its  interior  arrangement,  and  nothing 
can  be  gathered  from  the  "Church  Book,"  which  has 
only  the  pew  lists  for  several  years.  There  was  found, 
recently,  in  the  British  Museum,  a  colored  drawing  of  the 
fort  and  church,  made  probably  by  some  officer  of  the 
garrison  about  the  middle  of  the  last  century.  There 
is  also  a  sketch  from  memory  made  in  the  beginning  of 
the  present  century,  which  has  appeared  in  several  pub- 
lications upon  old  Albany.  The  church  is  described 
by  a  writer  in  Munsell's  "Historical  Collections,"  in  a 
sketch  written  in  1859,  as 

"A  blue  stone  building  with  a  short  stone  tower,  located  in  State 
Street  at  the  intersection  with  Chapel,  rather  to  the  west  of  that  Une. 
The  main  entrance  was   towards  the  South  and  the  steps  of  the  stoop 

'  Abs.  S.  P.  G.,   1753,  p.  47. 


go  Saint  Peter's  Church 

were  within  a  few  feet  of  the  present  curb  stone  on  the  South  side  of 
State  street;  there  was  a  doorway  opposite  the  present  (1859)  residence 
of  Philip  Wendell,  Esq'r.  There  was  a  door  leading  out  to  the  north 
but  it  was  seldom  used.  *  *  *  *  There  were  some  sketches 
made  of  this  building  from  recollection  several  years  after  it  was 
demolished,  but  the  best  are  imperfect  and  give  but  a  faint  idea  of  the 
Church.  The  altar  was  located  in  the  east  end,  and  over  it  was  a 
triplet  window.  On  the  sides  there  were  two  windows  facing  the  North 
and  two  towards  the  South.  The  pulpit,  reading  and  clerk's  desk,  were 
on  the  North  side  between  the  windows,  and  the  pews  so  constructed 
that  the  Congregation  sat  facing  the  pulpit.  There  was  a  gallery  on  the 
west  end,  the  entrance  to  it  from  the  south  door.  The  walls  were 
adorned  with  fine  valuable  oil  paintings,  all  of  scriptural  device  except 
one,  and  that  was  the  coat  of  arms  of  Great  Britain.  These  pictures 
were  taken  down  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  and 
were  subsequently  destroyed  by  a  fire  which  occurred  in  the  city  in 
1797."  ■ 

A  tower  graced  the  gable  nearest  the  fort,  a  sweet 
toned  bell  called  the  people  to  worship,  and  a  brass 
clock  told  the  hour.  The  bell  which  was  procured 
from  the  well  known  bell  founders,  Warner  &  Co.,  of 
London,  now  occupies  a  place  of  honor  beside  the 
chime  in  the  beautiful  memorial  tower  of  the  present 
St.  Peter's,  and,  as  it  was  the  first  bell  in  Albany  that 
announced  the  passage  of  the  Declaration  of  Independ- 
ence, so  still  its  high-pitched  musical  note  awakens 
historic  memories  in  citizens  on  special  festal  occasions, 
civic,  national  and  ecclesiastical.  It  has  this  inscription: 
"  St.  Peter's  Church  in  Albany  1751  J.  Ogilvie 
Minister.  J.  Stevenson  E.  Collins  C.  Wardens." 
Mr.  Ogilvie's  efforts  in  strengthening  the  parish 
were  ably  seconded  by  the  laymen  who  at  this  time 
managed  its  temporal  affairs.  From  the  foundation  of 
the  parish  the  officers  of  the  garrison  and  men  high  in 

'  Historical  Collections  on  Albany,  JoleMunsell,  Vol.  2,  pp.  384-5. 


Period  of  the  French  War  91 

the  civic  and  social  life  of  the  Province  had  been  both 
faithful  communicants  and  members  of  its  vestry.  The 
Royal  Governors  had  always  attended  the  services  at 
St.  Peter's  when  in  Albany  upon  official  duty.  Several 
of  them  had  been  liberal  benefactors.  Captain  Hubert 
Marshall,  Commandant  at  Fort  Frederick,  James  Steven- 
son, who  was  an  intimate  friend  of  Sir  William  Johnson 
and  guardian  of  several  of  his  children,  and  whose 
descendants  have  been  long  and  honorably  connected 
with  the  parish.  Dr.  Richard  Shuckburgh,  the  reputed 
author  of  our  national  air,  "  Yankee  Doodle,"  and  for 
many  years  Secretary  for  Indian  Affairs,  Henry  Hol- 
land, distinguished  in  Albany  civic  life,  Robert  Lot- 
tridge,  Captain  Thomas  Sharp,  Philip  Schuyler,  afterward 
the  hero  of  Saratoga,  Isaac  Fryer,  Daniel  Hewson, 
Robert  Cartwright  and  Goldsbrow  Banyar,  who  for 
nearly  fifty  years  was  Deputv  Secretary  of  State  for 
the  Province  of  New  York,  whose  services  to  the 
parish  are  commemorated  by  a  memorial  window  and  a 
tablet,  and  who  lived  to  see  the  second  church  edifice; 
these  and  others,  who  contributed  to  make  Albany  a 
city  conspicuous  for  its  men  of  ability  and  character, 
were  at  this  time  members  and  staunch  supporters  of  the 
parish. 

The  Congress  of  Commissioners  from  six  of  the  most 
prominent  English  colonies  was  intended  to  bind  more 
closely  the  six  Indian  Nations  of  New  York  to  the 
English  interest,  or,  in  the  picturesque  phrase  of  the 
Indians,  "to  renew  the  covenant  chain,"  and  to  devise 
measures  for  a  lasting  peace  on  the  frontier  with  both 
the  French  and  Indians.  It  met  in  the  old  Court 
House,  or  City  Hall,  on  the  corner  of  the  present 
Broadway  and   Hudson  Ave.,  on  Wednesday,  June  19, 


92  Saint  Peter's  Church 

1754.'  It  was  a  brilliant  episode  of  Albany  life  and 
deserves  to  be  here  recorded,  as  many  of  those  who 
were  members  of  the  Congress  were  not  only  patriots 
but  also  sincere  and  influential  members  of  the  Church 
of  England.  Sir  William  Johnson,  Commissioner  for 
Indian  affairs,  Benjamin  Franklin,  Joseph  Murray, 
John  Chambers,  the  Rev.  Richard  Peters,  who  were  all 
prominent  Churchmen,  were  active  in  the  proceedings 
of  the  Congress.  It  was  a  meeting  of  great  importance 
in  colonial  history  and  links  itself  with  St.  Peter's,  as  a 
sermon  was  preached  in  that  church  on  Sunday,  June 
23,  before  the  Commissioners  by  the  Rev.  Richard 
Peters,  then  Secretary  of  the  Land  Office  of  Pennsylva- 
nia, and  a  member  of  the  Governor's  Council  in  that 
province.^ 

The  wise  and  patriotic  action  of  the  Congress  is  a 
part  of  American  history;  but  its  well  directed  efforts 
could  not  avert  the  war  which  was  finally  to  decide  the 
supremacy  of  the  Latin  or  Anglo  Saxon  on  this  con- 
tinent. 

Hostilities  began  in  1755,  and  again  Albany  assumed 
the  aspects  of  a  military  camp.  Mr.  Ogilvie's  work 
was  largely  increased  by  the  presence  of  the  troops  in 
the  city.  He  ministered  to  the  soldiers,  gave  them  good 
food,  good  advice,  and  often  supplied  them  with  luxuries 
and  necessities.      There  are  many  marriages  of  soldiers 

'  For  an  account  of  the  Congress  see  Documentary  History  of  New 
York,  II.  pp.  545-618. 

"  A  copy  of  this  sermon  was  requested  for  publication  by  the  Com- 
missioners. Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  II.  pp.  563.  No  bibliography  of  the 
period  mentions  it  and  it  probably  never  was  printed.  The  Rev. 
Richard  Peters  filled  many  honorable  and  usefiil  positions  in  the  province 
of  Pennsylvania.  He  was  assistant  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Cummings  of 
Christ  Church,  Philadelphia,  173  5-1 7  36,  and  Rector  of  Christ  Church, 
1762-1775.      He  died  in  his  seventy-second  year  on  July  10,  1776. 


Period  of  the  French  War  93 

recorded  in  the  church  register,  and  before  each  cam- 
paign of  the  war  a  large  number  of  children  of  the  sol- 
diers were  baptised.  He  was  also  the  consoler  of  the 
widow  and  orphan,  for  many  of  the  troops  died  in  battle 
and  in  the  weary  journey  through  the  woods  to  the 
seat  of  war. 

Previous  to  1756  the  burials  of  members  of  the 
parish  had  been  in  the  small  plot  surrounding  the 
church,  or,  after  the  English  custom,  for  the  more 
honored  dead,  within  the  precincts  of  the  church. 
With  the  increase  of  demands  upon  the  limited  space, 
partly  owing  to  the  large  number  of  soldiers  whom 
friends  wished  to  be  buried  in  Church  ground,  there 
was  a  necessity  for  a  new  burial  ground.  An  accessible 
vacant  plot  adjoined  the  fort  on  the  north.  The 
city  held  the  fee  of  it.  Mr.  Ogilvie  was  popular;  the 
wardens  and  vestrymen  were  men  of  weight  in  civil 
affairs,  and  it  was  known  that  the  Corporation  were 
favorable  to  their  petition.  At  the  meeting  of  the 
Common  Council  on  July  10,  1756,  the  formal  petition 
from  the  authorities  of  St.  Peter's  was  read  and  granted 
and  the  Mayor^  was  ordered  to  execute  a  deed  in  fee  for 
the  plot.^ 

The  first  mention  of  this  burying  ground  is  found  in 
the  entries  for  1756  when  there  was  paid  to  George 
Browne  for  the  men  working  at  "  a  Trench  about  y^ 
burying  ground,"  the  price  of  fifty-five  quarts  of  beer, 
"eighteen  shillings  and  four  pence." 

During  the  stirring  scenes  of  the  war,  Mr.  Ogilvie 
calmly  went  on  with  his  appointed  duties.  He  says  in 
the  letter  published  in  the  abstract  for  1757: 

'  Hans  Hansen,  1731-1732,   1754-1756. 
^  See  note  for  formal  action  of  the  Council. 


94  Saint  Peter's  Church 

"  That  his  endeavours  have  not  been  unsuccessful,  many  of  the 
Mohawks  of  both  castles  appearing  to  have  a  serious  and  habitual  sense 
of  Religion;  when  at  home  they  regularly  attend  Divine  Worship  and 
participate  frequently  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  though  out  upon  the 
Hunt  several  of  them  came  60  miles  to  communicate  upon  Christmas 
Day  1755;  in  that  year  he  had  baptised  at  Albany  49  white  and  20 
black  children,  and  in  the  Mohawks'  country  30  white  and  18  Indian 
children,  and  admitted  4  adult  Indians  to  the  Communion,  who  gave  a 
very  good  account  ot  the  Christian  faith,  and  the  number  of  such  Indian 
communicants  amounts  to  50.  In  the  first  six  months  of  the  year  1756, 
Mr.  Ogilvie  had  baptised  16  white  and  6  negroe  children,  and  2  adult 
negroes  at  Albany,  and  in  the  Mohawks'  Country,  1  8  white  and  9  more 
Indian  children,  two  ot  them  the  children  of  the  famous  Indian  Half 
King  who  distinguished  himself  so  much  in  the  famous  fatal  expedition 
under  General  Braddock  when  twelve  principal  men  of  the  Mohawks  fell 
in  the  Battle,  six  of  whom  were  regular  communicants  of  the  Church  ; 
and  while  they  were  in  the  Field,  good  old  Abraham  (one  of  the 
sachems  formerly  mentioned)  performed  Divine  Service  morning  and 
evening  to  them.  The  Half  Indian  King  with  his  relations  and  family 
are  now  settled  among  the  Mohawks  to  the  number  of  40  persons,  some 
of  them  Christians  and  most  of  them  well  disposed  to  the  Christian  Religion; 
also  early  in  the  Spring  about  140  of  those  poor  people  that  inhabited 
the  frontiers  of  New  Jersey  came  up  to  the  Mohawk  country  for  pro- 
tection, and  Mr.  Ogilvie  promises  to  use  his  best  endeavors  to  instruct 
them  who  seemed  to  be  almost  entirely  ignorant  of  rehgion  ;  he  adds 
that  Paulus  the  Indian  schoolmaster  at  the  upper  Mohawk  castle  is  dili- 
gent in  his  office  and  teaches  above  40  children  every  day,  and  several 
of  them  begin  to  read,  and  some  to  write,  and  the  Mohawks  ot  the 
lower  castle  have  signified  their  desire  to  have  a  school  master  for  their 
children,  and  the  Society  hath  empowered  Mr.  Ogilvie  to  appoint  the 
most  proper  person  among  them  that  will  undertake  it  to  that  service. 
The  six  united  nations  seem  to  be  in  good  temper  notwithstanding  the 
craft  and  intrigues  of  the  French,  who  by  their  Priests  are  extremely 
busy  in  this  critical  juncture  of  atfairs  ;  and  Mr.  Ogilvie  pleases  himself 
with  the  prospect  of  seeing  an  eiFectual  door  opened  to  introduce  mis- 
sionaries into  their  castles  after  the  present  unhappy  disturbances  are 
ended  ;  as  nothing  will  conduce  more,  nor,    in  truth,   so  much  to  make 


Period  of  the  French  War  95 

them  our  firm  friends  as  our  uniting  them  to  us  by  the  Sacred  Bands  of 
the  Christian  Religion,  and  may  God  grant  a  blessing  through  Christ  to 
the  pious  endeavours  of  the  Society  of  this  Head.  ' 

In  the  next  year  of  the  war,  emboldened  by  their 
successes,  the  French  and  the  Indians  in  their  employ 
ventured  into  the  Mohawk  valley,  and,  by  fire  and 
sword,  created  wide  spread  alarm  and  havoc.  It  was 
with  the  utmost  difficulty  that  the  peaceful  work  of  the 
Church  could  be  accomplished,  but  Mr.  Ogilvie  did 
not  falter  or  hesitate.      He  writes  on  June   25th,  1757 

"  That  the  Indian  affairs  in  general  had  taken  a  more  unfavorable 
turn  by  the  loss  of  our  important  trading  House  and  Garrison  at  Oswego,^ 
which  was  the  key  into  the  Indian  country,  and  the  Trade  carried  on 
there  was  the  chief  means  of  supporting  our  Interest  not  only  among  the 
Six  Nations  and  their  allies  but  also  among  those  numerous  Tribes  upon 
the  Great  Lakes  with  whom  we  had  contracted  an  acquaintance  by  means 
of  the  Oswego  Trade;  however,  notwithstanding  the  Danger  and  the 
many  other  discouraging  circumstances,  Mr.  Ogilvie  hath  continued  to 
visit  the  Mohawks;  he  was  there  the  whole  month  of  August  last  and 
returned  in  September  to  officiate  at  Albany  which  was  then  full  of  peo- 
ple, the  Garrison  being  very  numerous  without  oen  chaplain  to  perform 
Divien  service  to  them.  Wherefore  the  Earl  of  Loudon  '  observing  Mr. 
Ogilvie's  great  pains  in  the  performance  of  his  duty  was  pleased  to  con- 
fer upon  him  the  chaplainship  to  one  of  the  Royal  American  Regiments. 
In  the  beginning  of  January  Mr.  Ogilvie  went  up  again  to  the  Mohawks 
and  continued  among  them  until  March,  proceeding  in  his  usual  method 
of  instruction;  But  alas!  bad  example  of  which  they  see  abundantly  too 
much,  the  excessive  use  of  strong  drink  and  their  excursions  at  the  time 
take  off  their  attention  to  Religion.  The  castles  were  visited  last  winter 
with  a  severe  Fever  which  carried  off  a  considerable  number  of  the  prin- 
cipal Indians  both  men  and  women  with  a  great  manv  children,  and  this 
has  very   much   tliinned   their  number,  and  occasioned  the  return  of  the 

'  Abstract  1757,  pp.  46,  et  seq. 

'  On  August  14,  1756,  it  was  taken  by  the  forces  under  Baron 
Montcalm. 

^  He  had  been  appointed  Commander-in-chief  of  the  Forces  in  America 
in  the  fall  of  1  756. 


g6  Saint   Peter's  Church 

half  Indian  King  mentioned  to  be  settled  among  the  Mohawks  in  the  last 
year's  abstract  of  the  Society,  together  with  those  who  accompanied  him, 
to  their  former  habitations  on  the  Delaware.  In  the  preceding  year  Mr. 
Ogilvie  had  baptised  25  white  and  16  Indian  children  in  that  part  of  his 
mission;  and  at  Albany  where  he  has  three  services  in  the  Church  every 
Lord's  Day  that  all  Ranks  of  people  may  have  the  benefit  of  Divine  Pub- 
lic Worship.  On  Christmas  Day  he  administered  the  communion  to 
70  persons,  and  on  Easter  Sunday  to  60,  and  he  had  baptised  89  white 
and  10  negroe  children  in  that  city  within  the  compass  of  the  preceding 
year.'" 

The  terrors  excited  by  the  war  and  the  sufferings  of 
the  settlers  in  the  Mohawk  Country  are  graphically  told 
by  Mr.  Ogilvie,  who  writes  on  May  2nd,  1758 

"  That  his  duty  is  large  at  Albany,  and  he  trusts  not  without  good 
effect,  that  he  had  administered  the  Holy  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per to  ninety  persons  at  Christmas,  and  to  sixty  at  Easter  preceding  and 
had  baptised  there  seventy-six  white  and  seven  negroe  children,  and  an 
adult  negroe  man  and  his  wife  after  previous  instruction,  and  had  since 
admitted  them  to  the  Holy  Communion.  He  wishes  he  could  give  a 
better  account  of  his  late  services  among  the  Indians,  but  at  that  time  the 
Mohock's  River  was  the  scene  of  all  the  horrors  of  war  with  the  con- 
tinued circumstances  of  the  most  horrid  cruelty,  notwithstanding  which 
he  had  visited  them  and  staid  two  months  among  them  in  the  winter,  and 
preached  to  the  Garrison  at  the  German  Flats,  and  preached  and  admin- 
istered the  Holy  Communion  at  Canajoharie,  the  town  of  the  Mohocks, 
and  did  himself  the  office  of  Schoolmaster  during  his  stay  amongst  them; 
and  while  he  was  there,  the  French  and  Frenchified  Indians  came  down 
upon  the  settlements  and  burnt  their  houses  and  captivated  the  families; 
but  even  in  this  melancholy  situation  he  had  baptized  sixteen  Indian 
children;  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Oel,  his  assistant,  had  baptized  thirty,  who 
writes  in  his  letter  of  February  8,  1758,  that  he  lives  in  continual  fear  ot 
the  cruelty  of  the  Indians  which  had  prevented  him  doing  so  much  good 
as  he  could  wish,  but  he  was  with  Mr.  Ogilvie,  and  had  the  pleasure  to 
hear  him  catechise  the  children  at  the  Church  of  the  Mohocks  and 
administer  the  Holy  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  to  the  Adult 
Mohocks  in  the  Indian  Tongue.      Mr.  Ogilvie  concludes  his  letter  that 

'  Abstract  1758,  pp.  43  et  seq. 


Page  of  the  "  Church  Book  ' 

., 

Cont/iiiiing   Entry  of  Lord  Howe' s   B 

tirial 

under 

date 

September  j,  1758 

)^^.i^.^^^iik 

Period  of  the  French  War  97 

the  Troops  were  then  taking  the  Field,  and  as  the  Mohock  Indians  were 
going  out  with  them,  and  there  was  no  chaplain  to  Six  Regiments  ot 
Regulars,  except  a  Deputy  Chaplain  to  the  Highland  Regiment  he  had 
taken  the  Resolution  to  go  with  them  which  he  hoped  would  be  approved 
by  the  Society."  ' 

The  summer  campaign  of  1758  opened  tragically. 
In  the  attempt  to  wrest  from  the  French  the  strong  fort- 
ress of  Ticonderoga,  Lord  Howe,  the  commander  of 
one  wing  of  the  army,  and  a  man  universally  beloved, 
was  killed  in  a  slight  skirmish  at  Trout  Brook  near 
Ticonderoga,  on  July  6,  1758.  With  him,  the  historian 
of  the  war  says,  expired  all  enthusiasm,  for  he  was  "the 
soul  of  the  expedition."  The  death  of  the  accom- 
plished nobleman  and  brilliant  soldier  sent  a  shock 
through  England  and  the  Colonies.  His  body  was 
conveyed  by  his  friend,  the  young  Philip  Schuyler,  to 
Albany,  and,  with  due  honor,  buried  beneath  the  chancel 
of  St.  Peter's  church." 

The  new  year  was  passed  in  a  round  of  duties  until 
the  departure  of  the  army,  when  Mr.  Ogilvie  accom- 
panied Sir  William  Johnson  on  the  successful  expedi- 
tion against  Fort  Niagara,  which  was  captured  by  the 
British  troops  on  July  25th,  1759.  At  the  end  of  the 
campaign  of  1759,  in  which  the  colonists  were  encouraged 
by  the  capture  of  the  important  forts  at  Frontenac  and 
Ticonderoga,  Mr.  Ogilvie  was  at  work  in  Albany. 
Many  of  those  wounded  in  the  various  engagements 
were  brought  to  that  city,  temporary  hospitals  were 
established  in  several  houses  offered  by  the  sympathizing 
inhabitants,   and  in  the  large   barns  of  estates  like  the 

'  Abstract  S.  P.  G.,  1759,  pp.  61,  et  seq. 

'  See  appendix  for  monograph  "  The  Burial  Place  of  Lord  Howe.^'' 
7 


98  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Schuylers'  and  Van  Rensselaers.'  There  are  many 
entries  in  the  register  of  burials  of  soldiers  in  the  new 
burying  ground. 

The  increase  of  his  duties  in  the  field  of  war,  and  his 
ministrations  to  Indians  and  white  settlers  in  northern 
and  western  New  York,  seemed  only  to  add  to  the 
efficiency  with  which  the  work  of  St.  Peter's  parish 
went  on.      In  the  Abstract  for  1760  it  is  said: 

"  And  when  it  shall  please  God  to  restore  to  this  colony,  the  blessing 
of  peace,  the  Society  are  in  great  hopes  this  truly  christian  design  (the 
education  of  Mohawk  children  and  aid  from  the  State  for  it)  may  be 
brought  to  effectually  bear  by  these  means,  which  under  God  will  much 
contribute  to  breeding  up  those  poor  children  in  sobriety  and  diminish  in 
some  degree  at  least  if  not  totally  eradicate  that  strong  propensity  to 
immoderate  drinking  so  very  remarkable  in  their  Parents,  and  of  which 
the  baneful  effects  are  so  visible  among  them,  since  according  to  the  letter 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ogilvie,  their  missionary  from  the  Society,  from 
September,  1758,  there  died  fifty-five  persons  in  the  Mohawk  castle,  and 
more  were  dying,  chiefly  owing  to  their  excessive  drinking  of  spirituous 
liquors.  Mr.  Ogilvie  was  then  among  them  and  catechised  the  children 
daily,  and  frequently  called  them  and  their  Parents  together  for  Divine 
Worship,  but  found  his  congregation  much  diminished.  However,  he 
had  baptised  twenty  white  and  ten  Indian  children  and  had  administered 
the  Holy  Communion  to  thirty-six  Persons  of  whom  fifteen  were  Indians, 
and  the  Church  of  Albany,  the  other  part  of  Mr.  Ogilvie's  cure,  he 
writes  is  in  much  the  same  state  as  usual,  he  continues  to  catechise  the 
young  people  there,  and  celebrated  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper 
with  sixty  persons  on  Christmas  Day,  and  there  had  been  baptised  by 
himself  and  the  Dutch  minister  '  ninety-four  white  and  ten  negroe  children 
and  three  adult  negroes  after  proper  instruction  from  the  25  th  day  of 
May,  1758,  the  date  of  his  preceding  Letter,  to  the  25th  day  of 
February,  1759." 


'  Theodorus  Frelinghuysen  was  pastor  of  the  Dutch  Church  from  1746 
to  1759,  when  he  sailed  for  England  and  never  returned.  He  was  an 
excellent  scholar  and  much  beloved  by  his  people. 


J- 


Period  of  the  French  War  99 

Besides  giving  the  facts  regarding  his  work  in  Albany 
and  the  Mohawk  Valley,  Mr.  Ogilvie  adds  in  his  letters 
during  1760  interesting  details  of  work  done  among  the 
Indians  of  other  tribes  than  the  Mohawks.  He  was, 
probably,  the  first  clergyman  of  the  Church  to  officiate 
in  any  part  of  Western  New  York.  The  Abstract  for 
1 76 1  reads  thus: 

"  The  Rev.  Mr.  Ogilvie  the  Society's  missionary  at  Albany  and  to 
the  neighboring  Indians  acquaints  the  Society  by  his  letter  dated  Albany 
February  ist,  1760  that  his  duty  to  the  Indians  had  been  entirely  com- 
patible hitherto  with  his  Chaplainship  in  the  army  the  preceding  summer  ; 
when  he  attended  the  Royal  American  Regiment  upon  the  expedition  to 
Niagara  there  being  no  chaplain  on  that  Department  though  three  regular 
Regiments  and  the  Provincial  one  of  New  York  were  in  it.  All  the 
Mohawks  and  almost  all  the  Six  Indian  Nations  (or  rather  Tribes)  were 
upon  that  service  ;  and  Mr.  Ogilvie  constantly  officiated  to  the  Mohawks 
and  Oneidas,  who  regularly  attended  Divine  Service,  and  he  gave  them 
proper  instructions  and  exhortations  and  hoped  he  had  contributed  in 
some  measure  to  keep  up  decency  and  good  order  among  them.  The 
Oneidas,  as  they  had  notice  of  his  coming,  met  him  at  the  Lake  near  their 
castle  and  brought  ten  children  to  be  baptised  by  him,  with  a  young 
woman  who  had  been  previously  instructed  in  the  principles  of  Christianity, 
and  Mr.  Ogilvie  baptised  them  before  a  great  crowd  of  spectators,  who 
were  pleased  with  the  attention  and  solemn  behaviour  of  the  Indians  on 
that  solemn  occasion.  During  the  campaign,  Mr.  Ogilvie  had  oppor- 
tunities of  conversing  with  some  of  every  one  of  the  Six  Nation  Con- 
federacy and  their  dependants,  and  he  found  some  of  every  nation  who 
had  been  instructed  by  the  Priests  of  Canada  in  the  Roman  Religion,  and 
appeared  extremely  tenacious  of  their  ceremonies  and  peculiarities,  and 
he  is  informed  from  good  authority  that  there  is  no  nation  bordering  on 
the  Five  Great  Lakes  or  the  Banks  of  the  Ohio,  the  Mississippi,  and  all 
the  way  to  Louisiana,  but  what  are  supphed  with  Priests  and  school- 
masters and  have  decent  places  of  Divine  worship  with  every  splendid 
utensil  of  their  ReHgion.  In  the  Fort  of  Niagara  there  is  a  handsome 
chapel  and  a  Priest  of  the  order  of  St.  Francis  performed  the  service  ot 
the  Roman  Church  therein  with  great  ceremony  and  Parade  ;  and  had 
instructions  to  receive  the   Indians  with  great  hospitality  and  had  a   par- 


lOO  Saint  Peter's  Church 

ticular  allowance  for  that  purpose.      Mr.   Ogilvie  during  his  stay  there 
performed  Divine  Service  in  that  Chapel,  according  to  the  Liturgy  of  the 
Church  of  England,  but  he  expresses  his  fears  that  it  has  not  been  used 
for  that  purpose  from  the  time  of  his   departure  thence,  which  will  not 
give  the  Indians  the  most  favorable  impressions  of  our  religion,  and  they 
are  not,  he  says,   wanting  to   make  very    pertinent   reflections   on   such 
occasions.      In  a  subsequent  letter  dated  Albany,  May  the   20th,  1 760, 
he  writes,  that  since  the   date  of  his   preceding   one  he  had  spent   two 
months  among  the  Indians,  and  he  had  baptised  in  that  branch  of  his 
Mission  from  the    29th   of  February,    1759,    to  the   29th  of  February, 
1760,  20  white  and  13   Indian   children  and   z  adults  and   admitted  4 
Indians,  young  women,  to  the  Holy  Communion  after  a  carefijl  instruc- 
tion of  them  in  the  Christian   Faith.      And  in  the  City  of  Albany  and 
township  of  Schenectady    he  had    baptised    1 04    white    and    1 5    black 
children  in  the  same  space  of  time,  and   admitted  six  catechumens  who 
upon  examination  gave  him  a  very  satisfactory  account  of  their  faith,  to 
the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper.      By  a  third  letter  dated  Oswego 
August  the  9th,    1760,   he   informs  the    Society    that  he   set  out    from 
Albany  on  the  24th  of  June  for  Oswego  but  tarried  at  Fort  Hunter  two 
or  three  days  in  his  way,  and  preached  twice  and  baptised  seven  white 
and    Indian   children    there  ;  and    General    Amherst    on    his    arrival    at 
Oneida  Lake  where  a  considerable  number  of  Indians  now  joined  them, 
expressed  great  pleasure  at  the  Decency  with  which   the  service  of  the 
Church  had  been   performed    by  a   grave   Indian    Sachem,   and    by   the 
General's  direction  Mr.  Ogilvie  went  to  Oneida  town  where  (he  having 
sent  a   Mohawk  before)  he  found  a  large  congregation   ready  to  receive 
him,  and  six  adults  presented  themselves  to  be  examined  for  baptism  who 
all  of  them  gave   a   very  satisfactory    account  of  the  Christian    Faith  and 
appeared  to  have  a  serious  sense  of  Religion,  and  therefore  Mr.  Ogilvie 
baptised  them,  and  immediately  afterwards  joined  them  in  marriage  (they 
being  three  principal  men  of  the  Oneida   Nation  with  their  three  women 
who  had  lived  together  many  years  after  the  Indian  custom)  and  besides 
these,  Mr.  Ogilvie  baptised  fourteen  children  and  married  nine  couple. 
He  expresses  his  great  satisfaction  in    that   day's  services   and   his  hearty 
wishes  that  by  our  successes  in  those  parts  a  more  effective  Door  may  be 
opened  for  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel  among  the  Indians,  whom  he 


Period  of  the  French  War  loi 

attends  and  reads  Prayers  to  on  Week-Days  as  often  as  the  duties  of  the 
Camp  will  admit,  and  the  General  constantly  gives  public  orders  for 
Divine  Service  among  them  on  the  Lord's  Day."  ' 

These  letters  are  the  last  written  by  Mr.  Ogilvie 
while  actively  in  charge  at  Albany  and  among  the 
Mohawks.  The  value  of  his  services  as  chaplain  had 
been  so  highly  appreciated  that  the  General,  Sir  Jeffrey 
Amherst,  not  only  requested  and  urged,  but  commanded 
him  to  accompany  the  army  of  occupation  to  Canada. 
Montreal  had  been  surrendered  on  September  8th,  1760, 
and  General  Gage  had  been  appointed  as  its  military 
governor.  Here  were  to  be  the  headquarters  of  the 
army,  and  Mr.  Ogilvie  was  the  first  clergyman  of  the 
Church  of   England  stationed   in    Canada. 

During  Mr.  Ogilvie's  absence  with  the  army  he  had 
made  a  temporary  arrangement  for  the  continuance  of 
the  services  both  at  Albany  and  Fort  Hunter,  which  is 
thus  mentioned  in  the  Society's  Abstract  for  1762: 

"  The  Rev.  Mr.  Ogilvie,  the  Society's  Missionary  at  Albany  and  to 
the  Mohock  Indians,  in  his  letter  dated  October  14th,  1760,  informs  the 
Society  that  he  is  obliged  to  return  to  Montreal  for  the  winter  season  by 
express  orders  from  Sir  Jeffrey  Amherst,  who  directed  him  to  procure 
some  proper  clergyman  to  supply  his  place  at  Albany,  to  whom  Mr. 
Ogilvie  agrees  to  give  the  Society's  allowance  during  his  absence,  which 
he  hopes  they  will  approve  of.  And  it  appears  by  a  joint  letter  from 
Dr.  Johnson,  Dr.  Barclay  and  Mr.  Auchmuty,  that  Mr.  Brown,  Chap- 
lain to  a  Regiment  under  his  excellency,  supplied  Mr.  Ogilvie's  cure 
from  the  Sunday  before  St.  Thomas  Day,  1760,  to  November,  1761, 
when  Mr.  Brown,  himself,  was  ordered  on  an  expedition."^ 

The  Abstract  of  the  Society  for  1763  says: 

"  By  a  letter  from  the  Church  Wardens  and  Vestry  of  St.  Peter's 
Church  in  Albany,  dated  June  17,   1762,  it  appears  since  Mr.  Ogilvie's 

'  Abstract  8.  P.  G.,  1761,  p.  49. 
'  Abstract  S.  P.  G.,  1762,  p.  52. 


I02  Saint  Peter's  Church 

absence  on  his  Majesty's  service,  Mr.  Brown,  Chaplain  to  a  regiment 
under  Sir  Jeffrey  Amherst,  officiated  in  Mr.  Ogilvie's  place,  till  he  was 
himself  obliged  to  embark  with  the  troops  for  Martinico,  but  that  Mr. 
Brown  is  returned  to  Albany,  and  performs  Divine  service  there  to  the 
satisfaction  of  the  whole  Congregation.  Mr.  Brown  supplements  this 
account  by  a  letter  dated  Sept.  2d,  1762,  in  which  he  assures  the  Society 
that  he  will  punctually  perform  the  duty  of  that  mission  till  he  has  orders 
to  leave  it.  The  last  half  year  he  has  baptised  at  Albany  69  children 
and  married  35  couple.  Baptised  at  the  Mohock  Castle  9  children  and 
married  4  couple.  The  duty  at  the  Mohock  Castle  Mr.  Brown  finds 
very  difficult  for  want  of  a  proper  knowledge  of  their  Language.  But 
hopes  by  the  blessing  of  God  and  a  particular  application  to  surmount 
that  difficulty.'" 

The  happy  ending  of  the  long  and  tedious  war  by  the 
signing  of  the  treaty  of  peace  at  Paris,  on  Feb.  loth, 
1763,  gave  a  new  incentive  to  activity  in  the  work  of 
the  parish.  Many  persons  were  coming  from  the  older 
settlements  to  the  new  country  made  habitable  by  the 
reduction  of  Canada  and  the  success  of  the  English 
arms.  Some  families  settled  in  Albany.  The  regis- 
ter records  a  large  number  of  official  acts  telling  plainly 
of  the  growth  of  the  parish. 

Letters  to  the  Society  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Barclay, 
rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York  City,  dated  Dec. 
3rd,  1762,  and  June  22nd,  1763,  with  certificates  from 
the  Church  Wardens  of   St.  Peter's  show 

"  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brown  of  Albany  has  performed  the  duty  of 
that  mission  from  May  15th,  1762,  to  May  15th,  1763,  in  the  absence 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ogilvie,  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  congregation. 
In  consequence  of  which  the  Society  hath  given  him  leave  to  draw  for 
the  whole  of  Mr.  Ogilvie's  salary  to  that  time.  The  Society  have  since 
received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Ogilvie  dated  July  29th,  1763,  giving  a  very 
circumstantial  account  of  the  State  of  Religion  in  the  Island  of  Montreal, 
Canada  ;  which  the  Society  will  take  into  consideration  when  the  busi- 

"Abstract  S.  P.  G.,  1763,  p.  64. 


Period  of  the  French  War  103 

ness  of  appointing  missionaries  to  Canada  shall  come  before  them.  In 
the  mean  time  as  they  learn  that  Mr.  Ogilvie  cannot  return  to  Albany, 
they  will  supply  the  mission  in  the  best  manner  that  they  are  able."  ' 

Mr.  Ogilvie  seems  to  have  received  no  salary  from 
the  parish,  excepting  an  annual  allowance  for  fire  wood 
of  twelve  pounds. 

He  received  a  stipend  of  fifty  pounds  from  the 
Society  as  missionary,  and  probably  a  salary  of  the  same 
amount  as  chaplain  to  the  garrison  at  Fort  Frederick. 
He  received  and  disbursed  the  "fees  of  the  register," 
as  the  amounts  paid  for  the  recording  of  marriages, 
baptisms,  and  burials  were  called.  From  them  some- 
times were  paid  the  clerk's  salary  of  eight  pounds,  and 
the  sexton's  of  four,  and  the  alms  given  to  the  poor. 
Many  entries  like  these  are  found  in  the  Church  Book: 
Mr.  Ogilvie  had  for  a  poor  woman,  0.6.0 

Cash  to  Nathaniel  Plat  being  sick,  0.4.0 

Poor  woman  at  y*^  Block  House,  0.0.9 

For  two  loaves  of  bread  for  a  man  in  prison,  0.0.8 

The  yearly  balance  of  the  fees  was  paid  to  the  war- 
dens, who  duly  entered  a  receipt  in  the  Church  Book. 
The  expenses  for  the  care  of  the  church,  firewood, 
candles,  bread  and  wine  for  the  Holy  Communion,  the 
washing  of  surplices  and  the  altar  linen,  and  for  all  other 
incidental  parish  purposes  were  managed  carefully  and 
the  treasury  was  never  overdrawn.  During  Mr. 
Ogilvie's  incumbency  the  income  of  the  parish  had 
been  increased  largely.  The  forty  pews  in  the  church 
were  all  rented,  yielding  a  revenue  of  fifteen  pounds  a 
year.  The  collections,  made  at  the  church  door  by  the 
wardens,  after  the  then  prevailing  English  custom, 
swelled  the  yearly  receipts  to  twenty-five  pounds.^ 

'  Abstract  S.  P.  G.,  1764,  p.  79. 

'  See  appendix  for  a  sketch  of  Dr.  Ogilvie. 


I04  Saint   Peter's  Church 

His  ten  years  pastorate  is  a  brilliant  chapter  in  the 
history  of  the  parish.  He  had  done  with  prudence  and 
energy  a  work,  that  advanced  in  every  way  the  Church 
in  the  Province  of  New  York.  His  pioneer  labors 
with  the  army  at  Montreal,  which  prepared  the  way  for 
the  permanent  establishment  of  the  Church  of  England 
in  Canada,  have  an  historic  value  which  has  never  been 
recognized. 

Mr.  Brown's  first  official  act  in  the  parish  was  the 
baptism  of  two  children  on  Christmas  Day,  1760. 
Some  one  has  put  in  the  margin  this  rather  curious 
comment:  "  Have  a  new  Parson."  He  was  acceptable 
to  the  congregation  and  while  without  the  gracious 
courtesy  and  ready  tact  of  Mr.  Ogilvie,  was  a  pains- 
taking and  careful  pastor.      The  abstract  for   1765  says: 

"  The  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas  Brown  who  has  for  some  years  past  had  the 
care  of  Albany  and  the  Mohawk  Indians  in  the  absence  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Ogilvie,  is  now  appointed  to  that  mission  upon  the  petition  and  recom- 
mendation of  the  congregation  of  St.  Peter's  Church  in  Albany,  who 
have  already  had  some  years  experience  of  his  diligence  in  the  discharge 
of  his  duty."  ' 

Three  letters  of  Mr.  Brown  are  found  in  the  corre- 
spondence of  that  friend  of  the  Indians  and  generous 
supporter  of  the  Church  of  England,  Sir  Wm.  Johnson. 
They  show  that  Mr.  Brown  was  deeply  interested 
in  his  Mohawk  congregation  and  the  work  in  the 
Mohawk  valley.  The  first  letter,  however,  written  on 
March  27,  probably  in  1761,  excuses  his  failure  to  keep 
his  appointment  at  Fort  Hunter  for  the  following 
Sunday,  as  he  was  "  so  much  out  of  order,"  that  he 
was  "  incapable  of  taking  so  long  a  journey." 

'  Abstract  S.  P.  G.  1765,  p.  70. 


Period  of  the  French  War  105 

The  efforts  of  missionaries  from  New  England  to 
Christianize  the  Oneidas  and  other  tribes  of  the  Five 
Nations  under  the  auspices  of  the  Society  incorporated 
by  Cromwell  and  Parliament  in  1661,  for  the  propaga- 
tion of  the  Gospel  among  the  Indians,  and  "  The 
Society  in  Scotland  for  propagating  Christian  knowl- 
edge," incorporated  by  Queen  Anne  in  1709,  made  this 
period  an  anxious  one  for  those  who  were  laboring 
among  the  Five  Nations  according  to  the  system  of  the 
Church  of  England.  The  Government  had  allowed  the 
"Venerable  Society"  to  assume  all  the  pecuniary 
responsibility  for  the  religious  care  of  the  friendly  tribes, 
with  the  exception  of  building  the  fort  at  the  lower 
castle  of  the  Mohawks  and  maintaining  there  a  small 
garrison.  After  the  failure  of  Mr.  Andrews,  the  means 
of  the  Society  never  had  allowed  the  residence  of  a 
missionary  among  the  Indians  and  the  charge  of  the 
Mohawks  became  an  important  part  of  the  duty  of  the 
minister  stationed  at  Albany.  That  the  work  was  done 
under  great  disadvantages,  was  evident.  It  was  the 
good  influence  of  sachems  like  Abraham,  the  effort  to 
enrich  for  the  Indians  the  beauty  of  the  English  service 
even  in  those  days  of  cold  formality,  the  high  personal 
character  of  the  missionaries  and  the  strong  hand  of 
authority  in  the  person  of  Sir  Wm.  Johnson,  whom  the 
Indians  both  feared  and  loved,  that  made  it  in  any 
degree  successful. 

When  families  from  New  England  began  to  settle  in 
the  Mohawk  valley  and  the  fertile  country  to  the  west 
of  the  Mohawk  river,  they  brought  with  them  Congre- 
gational ministers  and  the  method  of  public  worship  to 
which  they  had  been  accustomed  in  their  former  homes. 
Some  of  these   ministers,    like  the   Rev.    Samuel    Kirt- 


io6  Saint   Peter's  Church 

land,  to  whose  school  among  the  Oneidas  is  due 
the  establishment  of  Hamilton  College,  were  men  of 
rare  devotion  and  good  sense.  It  was  their  intention 
and  desire  to  minister  only  to  those  of  like  faith  and 
order  with  themselves,  and,  without  controversy,  to 
instruct  in  the  fundamental  doctrines  of  Christianity 
those  Indians  not  yet  brought  under  any  religious 
influence,  except  that  of  the  Jesuit  fathers  from  Canada. 

To  good  Mr.  Oel,  whose  labors  for  many  years  were 
given  to  the  Mohawks,  the  coming  of  these  Congrega- 
tional missionaries  and  teachers  was  a  sore  grief  and 
caused  him  to  be  alarmed  for  the  safety  of  the  work. 
On  February  8th,  1762,  he  wrote  a  letter  to  Sir 
William  Johnson  expressing  his  apprehension  of  the 
designs  of  "  the  Bostoniers,"  who  intended  educating 
at  Lebanon,  Conn.,  in  the  Indian  School  of  Dr.  Whee- 
lock,  carefully  chosen  Indian  boys  who  might  in  time 
become  teachers  among  the  various  tribes.  He  feared 
that  this  course  might  bring  in  "  their  Presbyterian 
Church."  His  anxiety  was  largely  without  cause,  for 
there  was  no  intention  of  interfering  with  the  work  of 
the  Church  of  England  among  the  Mohawks.^ 

The  plan  of  Dr.  Eleazar  Wheelock  for  settling  at 
Fort  Hunter  a  schoolmaster  from  his  Indian  school  met 
with  determined  opposition.  Dr.  Wheelock,  in  a  letter 
to  Sir  Wm.  Johnson,  dated  at  "Lebanon,  4th  July, 
1766,"  says:  "I  would  also  propose  to  your  Excellency 
whether  it  will  be  best  for  Hezekiah  (Calvin)  to  take 
the  school  which  Joseph  Woolley  left  at  Onohoquagee, 
as  I  hear  that  Mr.  Brown  determines  to  defeat  his 
design  of  settling  at  Fort  Hunter."  ^ 

'  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.      Vol.  IV,  pp.  307,  308. 
'  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.      Vol.  IV,  p.   367. 


Period  of  the  French  War  107 

Dispute  and  controversy  between  the  missionaries  of 
the  Congregational  order  and  those  of  the  Church  of 
England  could  be  avoided  only  by  real  Christian  charity 
and  mutual  forbearance.  A  partial  account  of  such  an 
unfortunate  controversy  is  found  in  a  letter  to  Mr. 
Brown  from  Rev.  Theophilus  Chamberlain  who  was 
Congregationally  ordained  at  Lebanon,  Conn.,  April 
24th,  1765,  and  was  for  several  years  a  missionary 
among  the  Six  Nations.  It  is  dated  "October  loth, 
1766."      Mr.  Chamberlain  says 

"  A  report  has  lately  been  handed  about  here  that  you,  Rev'd  Sir,  at 
the  late  Meeting  at  Johnston  Hall,  christend  several  children  in  the 
presence  of  his  Honour,  the  Governor,  the  Honorable  Sir  Wm.  Johnson, 
many  other  Gentlemen  and  a  Number  of  Indians  of  several  Tribes  who 
had  been  before  christened  by  Missionaries  of  the  Presbyterian  order.  I 
acknowledge,  Revd.  Sir,  that  the  Fact  mentioned  in  their  Report  is  too 
notoriously  conterary  to  the  Practices  of  Christians  of  every  Denomination 
to  gain  Credit  among  anv  but  Indians  and  the  most  ignorant  and  crudilous 
Part  of  the  white  People.  Confident  therefore  that  this  Report  is 
entirely  Groundless  I  have  thought  it  imprudent  to  apply  to  any  Gentle- 
man to  have  it  refijted,  but  to  yourself  who  will,  I  doubt  not,  readily 
give  so  fijll  and  ample  refiitations  of  it  from  under  your  own  hand  that  I 
may  foi-  the  futer  be  able  to  put  to  shame  all  who  would  thereby  asperse 
your  character  or  bring  into  Contempt  and  Neglect  amongst  those  ignorant 
Heathen  the  whole  Christian  system."  ' 

Mr.  Brown's  reply  is  not  preserved,  but  its  nature 
can  be  inferred  from  these  extracts  from  a  letter  written 
to  Sir  Wm.  Johnson,  by  Mr.  Chamberlain  from  "Cana- 
joharie,  29th  Decb'r  1766." 

"  I  am  surprised  that  the  Rev.  Brown  should  suspect  that  by  privately 
informing  him  of  what  he  was  said  to  have  done  I  intended  to  intimate 
the  misconduct  of  those  in  whose  presence  it  was  said  he  did  it.  *  *  * 
I  treated  this  Report,  or  at  least  aimed  to,  like  what  was  false  and  only 
wrote  Mr.  Brown  for  his  authority  to  say  it  was  false.  I  gave  greater 
latitude  to  some  expressions  than  I  should  otherwise  that  Mr.  Brown 
might  give  me  a  direct  answer  which  would  stop  the  mouths  of  those 

'  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.    Vol.  IV,  p.  367. 
'  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.     Vol.  IV,  p.  369. 


io8  Saint   Peter  s  Church 

who  can  see  nothing  significant  in  arguing  what  men  will  do  from  their 
Character,  but  never  once  supposed  the  Rev'd  Gentleman  would  make  so 
great  an  affair  of  it  as  to  have  answerd  me  as  he  has  in  a  manner  which 
gives  me  the  greatest  pain.  I  mentioned  the  presence  of  his  Excellency, 
the  Governor,  the  Hon'ble  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  and  other  Gentlemen  and 
the  Indians  with  no  other  view  than  to  give  the  Report  the  airs  with 
which  I  several  times  heard  it  told,  not  suspecting  that  the  letter  would 
be  proposed  to  any  one  as  what  was  designed  to  fault  the  conduct  of  my 
Rulers,  for  to  this  I  don't  give  myself  a  License  in  any  case  but  especially 
should  not  with  your  Honour  to  whom  I  am  so  much  indebted."  ' 

There  is  some  doubt  whether  the  rumor  Mr.  Cham- 
berlain heard  was  true  or  false.  The  validity  of  lay 
baptism  was  hardly  a  question  that  was  especially  promi- 
nent in  the  Church  at  that  time.  From  expressions  in 
these  extracts  Mr.  Brown  would  seem  to  have  ignored 
the  accusation  entirely  and  dwelt  in  his  reply  upon  the 
disrespect  shown  to  those  in  authority.  There  is  no 
other  notice  of  the  matter  in  any  of  the  correspondence 
of  the  period.  Mr.  Brown  continued  his  regular  duties 
without  any  further  disturbance.  He  had  under  his 
care  in  Albany  an  Indian  boy,  the  ward  of  Gen.  John- 
son, and  in  a  letter  written  September  13th,  1766,  says: 

"I  have  the  honour  of  yrs  of  the  loth  instant  pr  Master  Peter, 
wherein  I  find  no  particular  instructions  in  regard  to  his  schooling,  con- 
clude therefore  that  you  leave  him  to  me  on  that  head.  Depend  upon  it 
I  will  take  the  same  care  of  him  in  every  respect  as  my  own  child."  ' 

In  1767  there  were  some  differences  between  the 
minister  and  the  people  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  of 
which  the  details  are  not  known.  Mr.  Brown  resigned 
his  position,  and  went  to  Maryland,  where  he  became 
curate  in  Dorchester  Parish.  He  died  as  rector  of  St. 
Luke's  Parish,  Queen  Anne  County,  in  1784.^ 

'  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  IV,  pp.  371-2. 

"  Doc.  Hist.  Vol.  IV,  p.  368. 

^  For  a  sketch  of  Mr.  Brown  see  appendix. 


The  Rev.  Thomas  Brown 
Rector  of  St.  Fftti'i,   jj64-r-6& 


From    Painting  in   Vestrs   Roc 


CHAPTER    VI 

END  OF  THE  COLONIAL  PERIOD 

Memorial  of  St.  Peter's  Vestry  to  the  Venerable  Society,  1767. 
— Appointment  of  the  Rev.  Harry  Munro,  1768. — Method  of  his 
support,  1768. — Incorporation  of  the  Parish,  1769. — The  Mohawk 
Mission,  1 768-1 770. — Memorial  of  Dr.  Inglis  upon  Indian  Missions, 
1770. — Appointment  of  the  Rev.  John  Stuart  to  the  Mohawk  Mission, 
1770. — Repairs  made  upon  the  church  building,  1770.  —  Growth  of  the 
Parish  under  Mr.  Munro,  1770-1775. — The  beginning  of  the  Revolu- 
tion, 1775. — Mr.  Munro's  escape  from  gaol  to  the  British  lines,  1777. 
— Suspension  of  Services,  1 777-1 787. 

THE  resignation  of  Mr.  Brown,  the  disordered  state 
of  the  parish,  and  the  withdrawal  of  many  devout 
worshippers,  required  prompt  and  vigorous  action  on 
the  part  of  the  wardens  and  vestryman.  They  united 
in  sending  a  clear  and  strong  statement  of  their  needs  to 
the  "  Venerable  Society."  It  was  drafted  by  a  young 
lawyer  of  Albany,  a  firm  and  consistent  Churchman, 
Peter  Van  Schaack,  afterward  a  well  known  jurist  of  the 
state  of  New  York.  Apart  from  the  record  books  it  is 
the  earliest  document  now  extant  concerning  the  history 
of  the  parish.  After  mentioning  the  founding  of 
the  parish,  and  the  fact  that  the  congregation  had 
been  always  small,  the  Vestry  consider  the  method  for 
increasing  the  number  and  influence  of  the  congregation. 
They  think  that  the  clergymen  sent  to  such  missions 
should  be  men  of  "  considerable  abilities,  conciliatory 
temper  and  exemplary  lives,"  men  like  "  the  pious 
and  excellent  Dr.  Barclay  and  Dr.  Ogilive  "   who  gave 


no  Saint  Peter's  Church 

strength  to  the  parish.  They  request  the  continuance 
of  the  Society's  aid,  mention  the  debt  incurred  for  build- 
ing the  steeple,  and  state  that  by  "  the  prevalence  of 
the  English  language"  they  expect  many  of  "the 
most  considerable  inhabitants"  to  become  members  of 
the  congregation.  They  request  the  speedy  appoint- 
ment of  "  some  respectable  clergyman  as  their  mis- 
sionary," which  would  be  especially  timely,  as  there 
was  then  "  no  Presbyterian  minister  in  Albany,  by 
which  means  many  members  of  that  Congregation  would 
probably  come  to  the  Church." 

This  strong  appeal  was  speedily  answered  by  the 
selection  of  the  Rev.  Harry  Munro  as  missionary  at 
Albany  and  among  the  Mohawks.  He  was  then  in 
charge  of  the  newly  erected  mission  in  the  manor  of 
Philipsburgh,  (now  Yonkers, )  where  Col.  Frederick 
Philipse  had  built  a  stone  church,  "  handsome  and 
commodious."' 

Mr.  Munro  came  with  a  high  reputation  for  energy, 
devotion  and  ability  and  his  arrival  in  Albany  in  the 
Spring  of  1768  was  hailed  as  the  beginning  of  a  better 
day  for  the  parish  which  had  been  torn  and  rent  by 
controversy.  He  was  in  the  full  maturity  of  his 
powers;  in  person  large  and  well  formed,  of  pleasant 
address  and  manners.  He  was  an  excellent  preacher 
and  a  pastor  of  untiring  devotion. 

The  parish  register  during  Mr.  Munro's  incumbency 
is  a  vellum-bound  octavo  volume.  It  was  kept  care- 
fully and  accurately  in  a  bold  clear  hand  by  Mr.  Munro 
himself.  In  addition  to  its  record  of  official  acts  it  has 
many  items  of  interest  and  value  concerning  the  corpo- 

'  Bolton's  Church  in  Westchester  County,      pp.      4.98-503. 


End  of  the  Colonial  Period  1 1 1 

rate  life  of  St.  Peter's  one  hundred  and  thirty  years  ago. 
After  an  absence  from  the  church  archives  of  seventy 
five  years,  it  was  found  among  Dr.  Munro's  private 
papers  in  1851,  and  restored  to  the  Wardens  and  Vestry 
by  Dr.  Munro's  great  grandson,  Mr.  Edward  F. 
De  Lancey  of  New  York  City.  Mr.  Munro  was  the 
first  clergyman  of  St.  Peter's  who  received  a  stated 
annual  salary  from  the  parish.  The  bond  prefixed  to 
the  subscription  list  and  the  names  of  the  subscribers 
and  their  families  were  inserted  by  Mr.  Munro  in  the 
register,  and  from  them  we  can  obtain  a  clear  idea  both 
of  the  financial  ability  of  the  churchmen  of  Albany  at 
that  period  and  of  their  readiness  to  maintain  properly 
the  services  of  the  Church.  There  were  sixty-one  sub- 
scribers and  one  hundred  and  thirty-six  individuals. 
The  whole  amount  of  the  subscription  was  forty-two 
pounds  and  three  shillings.  The  Venerable  Society 
allowed  to  Mr.  Munro  a  salary  of  fifty  pounds  for  his 
work  at  Albany  and  among  the  Mohawks.  He  built 
for  himself,  on  the  brow  of  the  hill,  just  south  of  the 
old  Capitol,  a  handsome  house  which  was  surrounded 
by  three  acres  of  well  cultivated  grounds. 

In  his  conduct  of  the  parish,  Mr.  Munro  had  to 
exercise  great  tact,  moderation  and  discretion.  A 
statement  of  the  condition  of  the  parish,  made  by  him 
soon  after  entering  upon  the  rectorship,  says  that  there 
were  then:  "attendants  156;  communicants  44;  of 
which  30  were  gained  by  him,  or  joined  the  church 
since  his  appointment,  and  he  had  all  the  rest  to  recon- 
cile or  bring  back,  his  predecessor  having  but  three 
communicants  when  he  last  administered."  Mr. 
Munro  made  a  careful  list  of  the  communicants  of  the 
parish,  which  is  the  earliest  now  extant. 


112  Saint  Peter's  Church 

He  was  not  willing  to  admit  any  one  to  the  Holy 
Communion  without  due  preparation,  although  many 
became  communicants  who  could  not  be  confirmed, 
because  the  English  government  refused  to  sanction  the 
sending  of  a  bishop  to  the  American  colonies.  Many 
who  might  have  been  earnest  communicants  deprived 
themselves  of  the  Sacrament,  because  they  were  unwill- 
ing to  come  without  confirmation.  This  will  explain 
in  part  the  small  number  of  communicants  in  missions 
and  parishes  where  there  were  a  large  number  of 
families  and  much  zeal  and  interest  in  parochial  life. 
Mr.  Munro's  watchful  care  in  the  admission  of  new 
communicants,  and  his  regard  to  their  proper  prepara- 
tion is  shown  in  the  entry  in  the  register: 

"July  14th,  This  day  have  given  to   Mary  Dorin,  Lewis's 

1769.  Catechism  and  an  answer  to  all  excuses  for  not 

coming  to  the  Sacrament." 

His  records  show  that  he  had  revived  the  energies  of 
the  parish.  The  number  of  communicants  increased  at 
each  celebration,  many  children  were  brought  for  Holy 
Baptism,  the  catechetical  lectures  were  resumed,  and  a 
class  of  negroes,  whose  names  are  inserted  in  the  regis- 
ter, came  under  his  constant  instruction.  The  Abstract 
of  the  Propagation  Society  for  1769  tells  what  he  had 
been  able  to  accomplish  within  a  few  months: 

"The  Rev.  Mr.  Munro,  lately  appointed  missionary  at  Albany, 
returns  the  Society  thanks  for  that  appointment  in  a  letter  of  May  2, 
1768.  He  arrived  there  just  before  last  Easter  and  begs  leave  to 
assure  the  Society  that  he  will  do  everything  in  his  power  to  deserve 
the  good  opinion  they  have  conceived  of  him.  He  observes  that 
Albany  was  the  communication  from  New  York  to  Canada,  and  the 
metropolis  of  a  very  extensive  and  flourishing  country,  whither  some 
hundreds  of  families  annually  come  to  settle,  which  gives  him  hope  of 
adding  many  to  the  church.      Upon  his  arrival  at  Albany  he  found  the 


End  of  the  Colonial  Period  113 

church  in  a  poor  condition  ;  a  scattered  congregation  reduced  to  a 
small  number.  He  has  endeavoured  to  bring  back  the  people,  and 
reconcile  them  to  their  former  persuasion  by  frequent  visiting  and  by 
friendly  conversation,  and  in  this  he  has  labored  with  success.  In  a 
second  letter  of  the  12th  of  July,  1768,  he  writes  of  the  quiet  and 
easy  state  of  his  congregation,  who  attend  divine  service  on  Sundays 
very  regularly  and  decently.  His  communicants  were  increased  to 
twenty-five,  to  whom  he  had  administered  the  Sacrament  on  Whit- 
sunday. He  has  buried  two  corpses  and  married  one  couple,  baptised 
nine  white  and  four  black  children  and  twelve  black  adults.  To  the 
former  he  reads  prayers  constantly  on  Fridays  and  spends  an  hour  in 
instructing  them  ;  the  latter  he  catechises  after  Evening  Prayer  on 
Sundays.  He  offers  it  as  his  opinion  that  Albany  ought  to  have  a 
resident  clergyman  constantly  performing  his  ministerial  office  there, 
and  the  Society  are  so  sensible  of  the  necessity  of  it  that  they  intend  to 
appoint  a  missionary  for  the  Mohawk  Indians  as  soon  as  a  proper 
person  can  be  procured."  ' 

Early  in  his  rectorship  Mr.  Munro  took  steps  to 
secure  a  parsonage.  A  suitable  plot  of  ground  was 
then  in  the  gift  of  the  city,  and  for  this  the  parish  pre- 
sented the  following  petition  to  the  Common  Council 
at  its  meeting  held  on  Monday,  the  nth  of  July,  1768 : 

"  To  the  Worshipful  Mayor,  Recorder  and  Commonalty  of  the 
city  of  Albany  in  Common  Council  convened,  the  petition  ot  the 
Minister,  Church  Wardens  and  Vestry  of  St.  Peter's  Church  in  this 
city 

Humbly  sheweth 

That  your  petitioners 
intend  when  their  circumstances  will  permit,  to  erect  a  parsonage  House 
for  their  minister  and  would  willingly,  in  season,  procure  as  proper  and 
commodious  a  situation  for  that  purpose  as  they  can,  and  if  possible,  ot 
such  extent  and  bigness  as  to  afford  a  small  spot  for  a  Glebe,  and 
having  fixed  in  their  own  mind  upon  a  piece  of  ground  belonging  to  this 
Board,  that  in  some  measure  may  be  answerable  for  the  intended  design, 

'  Abstract  S.  P.  G.,   1769,  pp.   25-27. 


114  Saint  Peter's  Church 

being  the  vacancy  situated  between  the  Free  Mason's  Building'  and  the 
street  leading  down  past  the  Hospital  in  rear  adjoining  to  the  Burial 
Place  of  said  church.  May  it  therefore  please  the  Gentlemen  of  this 
Board  to  grant  unto  your  Petitioners  the  said  piece  of  ground  for  the 
use  aforesaid — and  your  petitioners  as  in  duty  bound  will  ever  pray,  etc. 

Harry  Munro 
Min'r 
Christopher  Hegerman 
Daniel  Heuson,  Jun. 
John  Barckley 
Will'm  Benson 
Isaac  Fryer."  ° 

It  does  not  appear  from  the  Common  Council 
minutes  what  action  was  taken  upon  the  petition.  It 
is  probable  that,  while  awaiting  a  favorable  reply,  Mr. 
Munro  had  built  the  house  already  mentioned,  of 
which  his  friend,  Lieut.  James  Campbell  of  the  British 
army,  in  an  affidavit  made  in  1778  says:  "I  have  also 
been  at  Mr.  Munro's  house  at  Albany,  which  he 
himself  built  of  bricks  in  a  complete  manner,  and  most 
beautiful  situation,  with  a  garden  and  other  lands 
adjoining."^  It  is  of  interest  to  know  that  the  site 
selected  at  this  time  for  a  parsonage  adjoins  that  upon 
which  the  third  rectory  of  St.  Peter's  Church  stood. 

The  Mohawk  mission  was  not  neglected  by  Mr. 
Munro,  who  had  acquired  the  Iroquois  dialect.      In  a 

'  The  location  of  this  building  was  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Maiden 
Lane.  The  Lodge  still  owns  the  premises,  eighty  feet  square  and 
leased  it  for  a  term  of  years  to  St.  Peter's  Parish  at  a  ground  rent  of 
§500.  Note  p,  418,  y^ol.  I,  Munseir s  Hiit.  Coll.  Albany.  It  is  now 
the  site  of  Masonic  Hall. 

''p.   191,  Vol.  I,  Munsell's  Historical  Collections  of  Albany. 

*  From  a  Ms.  copy  now  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  Edward  De 
Lancey,  Esq.  of  "Certificates  and  affidavits  respecting  the  character 
and  property  of  the  Rev.  Harry  Munro,  late  Rector  of  the  City  of 
Albany,  copied  from  the  originals  that  are  lodged  in  the  Commissioners' 
Office  of  American  Claims,  Lincoln's  Inn  Fields,  i  2th  July,  1786." 


End  of  the  Colonial  Period  [15 

letter  to  Sir  Wm.   Johnson,   written   at    Albany,    April 
1 2th,   1769,  he  says: 

"  I  am  sorry  that  my  unexpected  journey  did  put  it  out  of  my  power 
to  wait  upon  the  Indians  at  Easter  as  I  intended,  but  my  Business  was 
so  urgent  that  I  am  persuaded  you  will  excuse  me.  I  shall  be  much 
obliged  to  you,  Sir,  if  you  will  acquaint  the  Indians  that  I  am  now 
ready  to  wait  on  them;  on  Trinity  Sunday,  being  the  Twenty-first  of 
May.  If  that  Day  will  not  Suit,  I  will  wait  upon  them  on  the  Seventh 
of  May,  being  the  Sunday  next  before  Whitsunday.  You  will  please 
inform  me  by  the  first  opportunity,  what  time  will  be  most  agreeable 
to  you,  and  I  will  endeavor  to  come  up  accordingly;  but  Whitsunday, 
you  know,  is  a  particular  festival  on  which  I  must  administer  the  Sacra- 
ment to  my  congregation  at  Albany."  ' 

Mr.  Munro  had  been  in  Albany  only  a  few  weeks 
when  he,  with  the  wardens  and  vestry  of  St.  Peter's, 
presented  a  petition  to  the  Hon.  Sir  Henry  Moore, 
then  Governor  of  the  Province,  for  a  charter  of  incor- 
poration. It  was  a  measure  that  seemed  essential  to 
the  future  growth  and  permanence  of  the  parish  in  a 
city  that  had  attained  prominence  and  large  increase  of 
population  during  the  war,  and  whose  pleasant  situation 
had  attracted  families  of  "  character  and  fortune." 

Although  this  petition  on  May  i8th,  1768,  was  read 
in  Council  and  referred  to  a  committee  which  reported 
favorably  on  July  I3th,^yet  it  was  not  until  April  25th, 
1769,  that  the  formal  charter  of  incorporation  was 
signed  by  the  Governor.  Modified  to  conform  to  the 
altered  political  condition  of  the  country,  it  still  guards 
the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  parish.  The  original, 
beautifully  engrossed  on  parchment,  is  among  its 
archives.^ 

'  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  IV,  p.  410. 
'  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  917. 
^  For  a  copy  of  the  charter  see  appendix. 


ii6  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The  granting  of  the  charter  was  the  commence- 
ment of  a  new  and  brighter  page  of  parish  history. 
Through  the  generosity  of  Sir  William  Johnson,  Sche- 
nectady had  already  a  neat  stone  church,  and  the  Rev. 
William  Andrews  was  in  residence  as  its  first  rector. 
In  the  country  beyond,  Mr.  Munro  made  long  mis- 
sionary journeys,  holding  services  almost  daily  and 
baptizing  many  children  and  adults.  In  the  new 
settlements  in  the  "  New  Hampshire  Grants,"  where, 
as  at  Arlington,  there  was  a  large  colony  of  Church 
people  who  had  followed  the  Housatonic  valley  from 
their  old  home  in  New  Milford,  he  ministered  at 
regular  intervals.  He  sowed  seed  that  in  after  days 
has  borne  abundant  fruit  in  the  present  dioceses  of 
Albany  and  Vermont.  The  Abstract  of  the  Society  for 
1 77 1   says: 

"The  Rev.  Mr.  Munro,  missionary  at  Albany,  New  York,  in  his 
letter  of  Jan.  5th,  1770,  writes:  That  his  congregation  continues  to 
live  in  peace,  and  are  really  improved  in  the  knowledge  of  religion; 
and  that  9  have  been  added  to  the  communicants  whose  number  is  now 
47.  He  has  baptised  in  the  last  year  68,  6  of  whom  were  negro 
children,  and  4  black  and  I  Indian  adult;  married  6  couples,  buried  5, 
and  has  20  white  and  1  2  black  catechumens.  He  mentions  his  having 
visited  the  Indians  at  Fort  Hunter  and  Canajoharie,  and  having  preached 
at  various  places,  that  he  has  the  cause  ot  the  Gospel  at  heart  which  he 
endeavors  to  propagate  with  care  and  diligence."  ' 

In  the  care  of  his  Indian  congregations  he  was 
unremitting.  A  new  edition  of  the  Indian  Prayer  Book 
had  been  printed  through  the  generosity  of  Sir  William 
Johnson  in  1769.  It  had  been  revised  and  edited 
carefully  by  Col.  Daniel  Claus,  Sir  William's  son-in-law, 
and    the    Rev.     Dr.     Henry    Barclay.      It    was    issued 

'  Abstract  S.  P.  G.,  1771,  p.  26. 


Charter  of  Incorporation  with  George  III  Sea/,  i'/6g 


,.,,A 


.,.,V\ 


End  of  the  Colonial  Period  117 

after  Dr.  Barclay's  death  under  the  supervision  of  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Ogilvie.  It  was  fuller  and  more  nearly  per- 
fect than  any  previous  edition,  and  in  substance  is  still 
the  Prayer  Book  of  the  Mohawks  in  their  present  home 
in  Canada.  Mr.  Munro  was  able  to  read  the  service 
fluently,  to  preach  in  the  Mohawk  dialect,  and  to  acquire 
a  great  influence  over  the  Mohawks.^  Soon  after  his 
arrival  and  survey  of  his  large  mission  field  he  saw  that 
the  only  hope  for  any  permanent  religious  impression 
and  the  conversion  of  the  Six  Nations  was  by  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  resident  missionary,  a  man  of  zeal  and  tact, 
and  in  the  fuller  recognition  by  the  home  authorities  of 
the  Mohawk  mission  as  a  strong  bulwark  against  attacks 
from  the  north  and  west. 

When  Dr.  Myles  Cooper,  President  of  Kings^ 
College,  and  the  Rev.  Charles  Inglis,  then  an  assistant 
minister  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York  City,  made  a 
visit  to  Sir  William  Johnson  in  the  summer  of  1770, 
they  were  so  much  impressed  with  the  need  of  a  more 
sensible  and  liberal  Indian  policy,  that  a  well  con- 
sidered memorial  to  the  Board  of  Trade  and  Plantations 
was  drawn  up  by  Mr.  Inglis  in  which  he  outlined  a 
comprehensive  plan  for  Christianizing  and  civilizing  the 
Six  Nations.  Its  valuable  suggestions,  probably  through 
the  political  complications  of  the  times,  were  never 
fully  considered  by  the  Board,  and  no  measures  to  carry 
them  out  were  adopted  by  the  Government." 

'  The  copy  of  the  Mohawk  Prayer  Book  used  by  him  is  carefully 
preserved  by  his  great-grandson,  Mr.  E.  F.  De  Lancey,  of  New  York. 

'  The  memorial,  recovered  by  Dr.  O'Callaghan  from  the  heirs  of 
Bishop  Inglis  in  Nova  Scotia,  is  printed  in  full  in  The  Documentary 
History  of  New  York,  Vol.  IV,  pp.  1091-1117.  It  deserves  to  be 
read  by  the  friends  of  the  Indians  as  a  sagacious  and  humane  scheme 
far  in  advance  of  the  times. 


ii8  Saint  Peter's  Church 

At  this  time  Sir  William  Johnson,  superintendent  of 
Indian  affairs,  built  a  chapel  for  the  Indians  near  Cana- 
joharie,  the  upper  castle  of  the  Mohawks,  at  a  cost  of 
459  pounds  is.  iid.  sterling.  As  much  of  the  material 
had  to  be  brought  in  sloops  from  New  York  to  Albany, 
and  then  by  batteaux  up  the  Mohawk  river,  the 
progress  of  the  building  was  slow.  The  church  was 
spacious  and  elegant  according  to  the  standard  of  the 
times  and  accommodated  both  the  Indians  and  white 
settlers  in  the  neighborhood.  At  the  special  request  of 
Sir  William  and  the  Indians,  Mr.  Munro  officiated  and 
preached  the  dedication  sermon,  at  the  opening  of  the 
chapel  on  Sunday,  June  17th,  1770.^  This  building 
is  still  standing. 

Soon  after,  Mr.  Munro  had  the  happiness  of  wel- 
coming a  resident  missionary  for  the  Indian  work. 
The  Rev.  John  Stuart,  a  native  of  Harrisburgh,  Penn- 
sylvania, a  man  of  remarkable  fitness  for  this  work,  was 
appointed  by  the  Society  and  entered  upon  his  duties 
on  Christmas  Day,  1770.^ 

By  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Stuart  among  the  Mohawks, 
Mr.  Munro  was  relieved  of  the  anxiety  and  care  of 
the    Indian    Mission,    but   his   journeys    into   northern 

'  See  Memoir  of  the  ^Rev.  Dr.  Harry  Munro,  by  Mr.  E.  F. 
De  Lancey  in  N.  Y.  Genealogical  and  Biographical  Record,  July, 
1873,  P-  ''^;  3'^°  Life  and  Times  of  Sir  William  Johnson,  Bart.,  by 
Col.  W.  L.  Stone,  Albany.     J.  Munsell,  1865,  Vol.  II,  p.  31;. 

■  For  an  account  of  the  abundant  and  acceptable  work  of  Mr.  Stuart, 
both  in  the  Mohawk  Valley  and  after  his  removal  with  his  beloved 
Indians  to  Canada,  his  laying  foundations  for  the  permanent  establish- 
ment of  the  Church  of  England  in  Canada,  which  gained  for  him  a 
title  he  justly  deserved,  "  Father  of  the  Church  of  England  in  Canada," 
the  reader  is  referred  to  the  clear  and  concise  memoir  by  Dr.  O'Cal- 
laghan  in  the  Documentary  History  of  New  York,  Vol.  IV,  pp.  504- 
520,  and  the  Abstracts  of  the  Propagation  Society  from  1770  to  181  i, 
in  which  year  he  died  at  his  home  in  Kingston,  Canada. 


End  of  the  Colonial  Period  119 

New  York  in  search  of  families  of  Church  people  were 
continued.  As  an  officer  in  the  British  Army  he  had 
received  a  large  tract  of  bounty  land,  lying  upon  the 
great  "  divide  "  between  the  valleys  of  the  Hudson  and 
Lake  Champlain  in  that  part  of  the  old  county  of 
Charlotte  now  known  as  Washington  County.  This 
he  divided  into  farms  of  one  hundred  acres  each  which 
he  rented  "  to  Scotch  settlers,  old  soldiers  and 
others."  ^  It  was  his  practice  upon  his  journeys  to  his 
estate  to  hold  services  wherever  he  could,  and  gain  an 
influence  for  the  Church  among  the  settlers  then  rapidly 
taking  up  the  land.  Upon  his  property  he  built  for 
himself  a  log  house  and  was  accustomed  to  spend  a 
portion  of  each  summer  there.  It  was  his  habit,  upon 
"  a  flat"  back  of  his  house,  to  hold  open  air  services 
every  Sunday.  He  was  probably  the  first  clergyman  of 
the  Church  who  officiated  in  that  part  of  New  York. 

His  best  energy,  however,  was  given  to  the  strength- 
ening of  the  Church  in  Albany.  In  July,  1770,  by 
the  appointment  of  the  Bishop  of  London,  he  became 
chaplain  of  the  garrison  in  the  fort,  for  which  he 
received  the  salary  of  fifty  pounds.  In  1772  the 
spiritual  needs  of  the  Mohawk  valley  were  met  by 
the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Richard  Mosely  ^  as  min- 
ister of  the  church  at  Johnstown  which  Sir  William 
Johnson  recently  had  enlarged.  This  church,  known 
as  St.  John's,  stood  near  the  famous  Johnson  Hall,  the 
favorite   residence  of  the  baronet. 

'  Memoir  by  E.  F.  De  Lancey,  N.  Y.  Gen.  and  Biog.  Reg.  July, 
1873,  p.  ii8.' 

^  Richard  Mosely  came  from  England  as  "  Chaplain  to  the  Salisbury, 
man-of-war."  He  was  the  first  missionary  of  Trinity  Church  Pom- 
fret,  Conn.,  from  January  to  August,  1 77 1.  He  removed  to  Litch- 
field, Conn.,  and  from  that  mission  went  to  Johnstown.  He  returned 
to  England  in  1774. 


I20  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The  larger  congregations  at  St.  Peter's  compelled  the 
rector  and  vestry  to  undertake  extensive  repairs  and 
alterations  of  the  church  building.  In  November,  1772, 
Mr.  Munro  wrote  to   his  friend  in  the  Mohawk  valley: 

"I  have  lately  been  in  New  York  where  I  collected  one  hundred 
pounds  for  our  poor  Church  at  Albany  which  now  makes  a  decent 
appearance  ;  the  old  windows  being  taken  down  and  new  sashes  put 
in  their  place.  The  inside  also  is  (altered)  for  the  better  ;  and  peace 
and  harmony  generally  prevail  amongst  us.  Notwithstanding  (the) 
malicious  efforts  of  a  certain  cabal  (to)  disturb  our  tranquility,  St. 
Peter's  (Church)  maintains  her  ground  and  increases  in  numbers."  ' 

In  the  Abstract  of  the  Society  for  1772,  there  is  this 
report  from  Albany : 

"  The  number  baptized  by  him  (Mr.  Munro)  last  year  was  85,  and 
since  his  coming  to  Albany  he  has  baptized  325,  18  of  whom  were 
black  adults  previously  instructed  by  him.  Those  and  some  other 
blacks  he  constantly  catechises  every  Sunday,  and  there  is  visible  change 
and  reformation  among  them."  ' 

That  the  work  kept  pace  with  the  improvement  of  the 
material  fabric  is  seen  from  this  summary  of  Mr.  Munro's 
letters  in  the  abstract  for  1773  : 

"Mr.  Munro  hath  also  a  considerable  addition  to  the  number  of 
communicants  at  Albany.  He  hath  baptized  more  than  50  children  of 
the  negroes,  catechises  more  than  20  negroes  every  Sunday,  and  hath 
lately  admitted  6  of  them  to  the  communion.  He  mentions  with  satis- 
faction that  Gov.  Tryon  hath  honored  Albany  with  a  visit,  and 
repaired  the  windows  of  the  Church,  agreeably  to  his  usual  attention  to 
everything  connected  to  the  interests  of  religion."  ^ 

Sir  William  Johnson,  in  a  letter  concerning  the  state  of 
religion  in  Northern  New  York  thus  commends  Mr. 
Munro  to  the   Society:     "The   Rev.    Mr.    Munro  at 

'  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.     Vol.  IV,  p.  484. 
'  Abstract  S.  P.  G.,  1772,  p.  22. 
'  Abstract,  1773,  p.  28. 


End  of  the  Colonial  Period  121 

Albany,  after  struggling  with  many  difficulties,  has  a 
good  congregation,  and  acts  with  much  diligence  and 
discretion."^  Soon  afterward  the  Society  received  this 
gratifying  account  of  the  five  years  rectorship  from  the 
wardens  and  vestrymen  of  St.  Peter's  Parish : 

"  These  do  certify  that  the  Reverend  Mr.  Henry  Munro  has  resided 
among  us  these  five  years  last  past  as  the  venerable  Society's  missionary. 
That  he  has  attended  to  the  duties  of  his  office  faithfully  and  diligently. 
That  we  conceive  the  doctrines  he  delivers  to  be  sound  and  orthodox. 
That  we  esteem  his  behavior  decent  and  becoming  his  sacred  function. 
That  there  appears  to  be  a  general  peace  and  harmony  in  the  Congrega- 
tion, which  we  hope  by  the  blessing  of  God  may  be  long  continued 
and  enjoyed. 

Given  under  our  hands,  Albany,  13th  of  April,  1773. 

John  Fryer. 

V.    o-i  Church  Wardens. 

P.  Silvester. 

Robert  Heakerly 

John  TunniclifF, 

loshua  Bloore,  ,, 

T-.     ■  ,  TT  T       Vestrymen. 

Daniel  Hewson,  Jr. 

Isaac  Fryer, 

[ohn  Price. 

From  the  information  given  in  the  Abstract  for  1774 
it  would  appear  that  the  contemplated  improvements  of 
the  church  edifice  were  not  completed  until  the  winter 

of  1773-4- 

"  Mr.  Munro  punctually  performs  Divine  Service  every  Sunday  and 
catechises  the  children  and  negroes.  The  Church  at  Albany  hath  been 
repaired  and  a  decent  steeple  is  now  building.  Mr.  Munro  hath  col- 
lected 100  pounds  to  defray  part  of  the  expenses,  and  his  congregation, 
though  in  general  poor  from  the  decay  of  trade,  will  endeavor  to  dis- 
charge the  rest."  '' 

'  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.      Vol.  IV,  p.  482;  in  a  letter  to  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Burton,  Sec'y  S.  P.  E.,  under  date  Oct.  2nd,   1772. 
^  Abstract,  p.  30. 


122  Saint   Peter's  Church 

It  will  be  remembered  that  during  the  incumbency  of 
Mr.  Ogilvie  a  subscription  was  made  for  repairs  which 
included  the  erection  of  a  steeple  and  the  purchase  of  a 
bell  and  clock.  How  much  was  accomplished  then 
cannot  be  known  fully.  Entries  in  the  "  Church 
Book,"  the  memorial  to  the  Venerable  Society,  and 
tradition,  seem  to  corroborate  the  statement  of  that 
authority  upon  Albany  antiquities,  Mr.  Joel  Munsell, 
that  "  the  tower  on  the  west  end  was  a  distinct  feature 
erected  after  1750."  '  Whether  the  distinction  between 
"steeple"  and  "tower"  was  not  made  closely,  and 
Mr.  Munro  erected  upon  the  tower  a  steeple  cannot  be 
determined  from  any  documents  now  in  existence  or 
from  any  authentic  tradition.  It  is  possible  that  the 
brass  clock,  imported  from  England,  which  served 
the  parish  until  1820,  was  purchased  then  and  put  into 
the  new  steeple.  It  is  mentioned  by  the  writer  upon 
"  Old  Albany  Churches,"  already  quoted,  that  there 
was  a  tablet  over  the  main  door  bearing  the  names  of 
Peter  Silvester  and  John  Fryer,  Wardens."  This 
undoubtedly  commemorated  the  completion  of  the  work 
of  renovation  undertaken  by  Mr.  Munro.  It  was  his 
last  achievement  for  the  parish. 

The  political  horizon  was  dark.  Murmurs  of  discon- 
tent and  anger  at  the  aggressions  of  the  British  ministry 
were  heard.  Thoughtful  men  were  discussing  the  best 
method  for  a  union  of  the  colonies,  and  a  forceful 
resistance  to  the  studied  affronts  put  upon  those  who 
as  citizens  of  the  united  British  Empire  had  learned  to 
prize  their  liberties.      Albany  was  patriotic,  and   many 


'  Albany  Annals  No.  I,  p.  310. 
■'  His.  Coll.      Vol.  II,  p.  385. 


End  of  the  Colonial  Period  1 23 

of  her  most  prominent  citizens  were  willing  to  join  in 
the  Congresses  and  Committees  of  Safety  then  being 
organized  everywhere. 

The  greatness  of  the  issues  at  stake  was  seen  by  the 
most  sagacious  men  of  the  city.  Those  who,  like  Mr. 
Munro,  were  believers  in  the  divine  right  of  kings, 
and  faithfully  adhered  to  their  sovereign,  had  to  endure 
much  indignity  and  suffering.  Bound  by  the  solemn 
promise  made  at  his  ordination  loyally  to  support  the 
king,  and  believing  that  conference  and  mutual  conces- 
sions would  adjust  all  matters  of  controversy  and  ill  will, 
he  and  many  others  of  the  clergy  of  the  Church  of 
England  in  the  American  colonies  incurred  the  hatred 
of  the  "friends  of  America,"  were  branded  as 
"Tories"  and  were  made  to  feel  the  heavy  hand  of 
what  they  considered  illegal  authority,  when  they 
refused  at  the  bidding  of  the  "  Rebels,"  to  cease  pray- 
ing for  the  king  and  royal  family  in  the  public 
worship  of  the  Church.  It  is  not  necessary  in  this 
narrative  to  enter  upon  a  defense  of  the  loyalist  clergy 
of  the  revolutionary  period.  The  most  patriotic, 
candid,  and  philosophic  American  historians  unite  in 
testifying  that  the  Anglican  clergy,  while  not  apprecia- 
ting the  real  gravity  of  the  crisis,  were  conscientious  in 
their  motives  and  sincere  in  their  action. 

In  the  midst  of  the  fierce  debate  and  excitement  of 
the  day,  regarded  by  some  with  suspicion,  by  others 
with  open  hostility,  Mr.  Munro  calmly  attended  to  his 
duty  with  unwearied  diligence.  He  never  concealed 
his  opinions,  although  men  like  John  Barclay  and 
Captain  (afterward  General)  Philip  Schuyler,  and 
others  prominent  among  the  defenders  of  American 
liberty  were  members  of  St.  Peter's.      He  probably  saw 


124  Saint   Peter's  Church 

that  his  usefulness  in  Albany  would  end,  were  there  an 
open  rupture  between  the  Colonies  and  the  mother 
country,  for  in  the  Abstract  for  1775  there  is  this  sum- 
mary of  his  letters  to  the  Society: 

"  No  material  alteration  hath  happened  in  the  mission  at  Albany. 
The  Rev.  Mr  Munro  being  determined  by  a  declining  state  of  health 
to  resign  that  mission  at  the  coming  midsummer  very  properly  gives 
timely  notice  of  his  intention,  acknowledging  at  the  same  time  his  own 
obligation  to  the  Society,  and  the  Society,  confiding  in  the  late  Sir 
Wm.  Johnson's  assurance  of  Mr.  Munro's  diligence  in  his  functions, 
think  it  a  point  of  justice  to  take  their  leave  of  him  with  this  public 
testimony  of  his  usefulness."  ' 

On  May  ist,  1775,  a  Committee  of  Safety  and  Cor- 
respondence was  organized  in  Albany  with  the  Hon. 
John  Barclay  as  chairman.  It  proved  to  be  an  active 
agent  in  fostering  the  spirit  of  liberty,  and  suppressing 
any  open  opposition  to  the  plans  of  the  Continental 
Congress  by  confining  all  suspected  persons  in  the  fort 
which  then  became  known  as  the  "  Tory  Gaol."  It 
conducted  an  extensive  correspondence  with  similar 
committees,  and  furnished  men  and  money  for  the 
Continental  army. 

The  only  contemporary  notice  of  Mr.  Munro's 
ceasing  to  officiate  as  rector  of  St.  Peter's  is  found  in 
the  statement  of  his  friend,  Major  James  Gray  of  the 
Royal  New  York  Regiment,  who  says,  in  an  affidavit 
made  in  1785:  "He  (Mr.  Munro)  stood  in  the 
fairest  light  with  all  his  acquaintance,  and  gave  the 
greatest  satisfaction  to  his  hearers  till  the  unhappy 
rebellion  broke  out.  Mr.  Munro's  sentiments  differ- 
ing from  the  greater  part  of  the  inhabitants,  from  that 
day   his   influence  was   lost;  so   much   that  the  Church 

'  Abstract,  1775,  p.  33. 


End  of  the  Colonial  Period  125 

door  was  shut  against  him,  his  property  taken  and 
himself  persecuted  out  of  the  country  and  himself 
obliged  to  join  the  King's  Army  in  Canada  for 
protection."  ' 

There  is  this  reference  to  a  service  in  St.  Peter's  in 
the  Journal  of  Lieut.  Ehner,  of  the  Continental  Army: 
"  Sunday,  May  26th,  1776.  The  morning  was  cloudy. 
Slept  till  8  o'clock,  become  like  the  sluggard  never 
satisfied  with  sleep.  *  '■■■  *  Went  to  the  English 
Church  here  in  the  forenoon,  attended  prayers  and  the 
reading  of  a  sermon  from  James  3,  17."^  Mr.  Inglis 
in  his  letter  to  the  Society  written  from  New  York  on 
October  31st,  1776,  mentioning  the  sufferings  and 
trials  of  the  clergy,  says  that  on  the  day  of  the  Conti- 
nental fast,  ordered  by  the  Congress,  May  17th,  1776, 
"The  several  Churches  in  his  province  (except  two 
where  the  clergymen  thought  they  might  without 
danger  omit  service),  and  so  far  as  I  can  learn  through 
all  the  thirteen  united  colonies,  as  they  are  called,  were 
opened  on  this  occasion.""'  Possibly  this  was  the  last 
time  that  the  rector  of  St.  Peter's  appeared  before  his 
congregation  in  any  ofHcial  capacity. 

Mr.  Munro,  however,  when  the  church  building  was 
closed  to  him,  still  continued  to  read  prayers  and  preach 
in  the  fort  to  such  as  chose  to  attend.  On  August  17th, 
1776,  the  Committee  of  Safety  received  "a  letter  from  the 

'  MS.  "  Cerrificates  and  Affidavits." 

'  Journal  kept  during  an  expedition  to  Canada  in  1776,  by  Ebenezer 
Elmer,  Lieutenant  in  Third  Regiment  of  New  Jersey  Troops  in  the 
Continental  service.  Reprinted  from  the  original  MS.  New  Jersey 
Historical  Society  Proceedings,  pp.  95-150. 

=  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  1057.  The  full  title  of  the  letter 
is :  "  State  of  the  Anglo  American  Church  by  the  Rev.  Chas.  IngHs, 
assistant  minister  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York  City."  It  is  found  on 
pp.   1048-1060. 


126  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Rev.  Harry  Munro,  dated  15th  August,  1776,  praying 
a  pass  for  New  Jersey  and  Philadelphia.  Resolved 
that  the  request  of  said  Munro  be  not  granted."  '  On 
the  20th  of  August 

"  The  Rev.  Harry  Munro  appeared  before  this  Board  and  again 
applied  for  a  pass  to  go  to  the  Jerseys  and  Philadelphia,  whereupon,  on 
consideration,  it  is  Resolved,  that  the  chairman  acquaint  you  the  said 
Munro,  that  this  Board  cannot  consistent  with  their  duty  grant  his 
request,  as  the  very  idea  of  a  pass  is  to  recommend  the  person  having 
it  to  the  public  as  a  Friend  to  the  Cause  and  Right  of  America,  and 
that  they  extremely  lament  that  they  have  it  not  in  their  power  to  give 
him  such  a  recommendation,  as  they  are  ignorant  that  he  has  ever  man- 
ifested himself  such  a  Friend  in  any  one  instance  since  the  commence- 
ment of  the  present  unhappy  contest."  " 

After  this  repulse,  the  rector  of  St.  Peter's  remained 
quietly  in  Albany,  in  no  wise  however  restraining  himself 
from  criticisms  upon  the  United  Colonies  and  their 
supporters.  He  still  went  to  the  jail,  and  still  met 
some  of  the  "  rank,  tories, "  as  Lieutenant  Elmer  calls 
them,  to  discuss  the  state  of  affairs.  It  seems  prob- 
able that  the  stricter  regulations  issued  in  July,  1776, 
by  the  Committee  of  Safety  were  in  part,  at  least, 
designed  to  restrict  Mr.  Munro  from  his  frequent  visits 
to  the  prisoners. 

"  Whereas  it  has  been  suggested  to  this  Committee  that  several  per- 
sons known  to  be  disaffected  to  the  American  States  are  permitted  to  go 
in  and  come  out  of  the  Tory  Gaol  without  restraint  whereby  in  these 
times  of  danger,  conspiracies  may  be  formed  and  carried  into  execution. 
Resolved,  that  it  be  recommended  to  Col.  Van  Schaick.  That  he 
give  it  in  order  to  the  officers  of  the  Guard  for  the  time  being. 

'  MSS.    Records    Com.    of    Safety   and    Correspondence    in    State 
Library,  Albany,  N.  Y.  p.  472. 
"  Ibid,  p.  472. 


End  of  the  Colonial  Period  127 

I .  That  no  person  whatever  be  permitted  to  go  in  or  come  out  of 
the  said  Tory  Gaol  without  his  order  or  the  order  of  some  superior 
officer,  or  other  commanding  officer  of  the  soldiers  stationed  in  the  City 
of  Albany,  or  the  order  of  the  chairman  of  this  committee,  except  the 
wives  and  children  of  the  prisoners  and  servants  carrying  or  providing 
themselves  provisions." 

In  this  same  year,  or  early  in  the  winter  of  1776-77, 
Mr.  Munro  found  himself  an  inmate  of  the  prison  as 
one  suspected  of  plots  against  the  authority  of  the 
Congress.  His  friends,  Capts.  Richard  Duncan,  John 
Munro,  Samuel  Anderson,  and  Joseph  Anderson  of  Sir 
John  Johnson's  Regiment  say  of  this  episode  in  his  life: 

"At  last  the  Rebels  tho't  proper  to  make  him  a  prisoner;  in  which 
disagreeable  situation  he  remained  till  November  last  (1777),  when  he 
found  a  way  to  escape,  and  fled  for  protection  under  the  British  Standard 
at  Ticonderoga,  and  soon  after  arriving  in  Canada,  He  has  acted  as 
Chaplain  to  the  53rd  and  31st  Regiments,  in  which  capacity  his  behav- 
ior is  greatly  approved  of,  and  highlv  commended  by  all  the  officers  and 
soldiers  of  said  Regiments."  ' 

The  journey  to  Ticonderoga  was  full  of  danger  and 
fatigue.  He  shared  with  his  companions  in  misfortune 
his  food  and  clothes,  cheered  them  by  his  words,  and 
when  they  reached  the  British  outposts,  begged  that 
their  wants  might  be  relieved  before  his  own.  He 
remained  with  the  army  in  Canada  until  May,  1778, 
serving  with  devotion  and  success  as  chaplain.  The 
commander  of  the  53rd  Regiment,  Capt.  Hughes,  says 
that  "  the  officers  as  well  as  the  soldiers  of  the  Regiment 
hold  him  in  the  greatest  estimation."  In  the  summer 
of  1778,  he  sailed  for  England  from  Quebec  and  never 
returned  to  America.  The  services  and  memory  of  Dr. 
Munro  must  ever  be  held  in  grateful  regard  by  those 

'  MS.      Copy  of  "Affidavits,  etc." 


128  Saint  Peter's  Church 

who  in  this  day  of  larger  work  and  greater  opportunity 
have  entered  into  his  labors.  The  nine  years  of  his 
incumbency  of  St.  Peter's  showed  what  was  in  him  and 
what  in  less  troublous  times  he  might  have  done  for 
the  fuller  development  of  the  Church  in  the  city  of 
Albany.  His  rectorship  closes  the  colonial  period  of 
the  history  of  the  parish. 

For  a  sketch  of  Dr.  Munro  see  appendix. 


i 


CHAPTER  VII 

REORGANIZATION  OF  THE  PARISH 

Condition  of"  St.  Peter's  during  the  Revolution. — Prostration  of  the 
Church  of"  England  throughout  the  United  States. — Ef}"orts  for  Organiza- 
tion in  New  York. — Determination  to  resume  services  in  St.  Peter's, 
1785. — The  Rev.  John  Doty  in  Albany,  1785. — The  Rev.  Thomas 
Ellison  visits  Albany  and  is  chosen  rector,  I  787.- -His  efforts  to  revive 
parochial  Hfe,  1787-1790. — His  missionary  work  in  Northern  New 
York,  1787-1  791. — Negotiations  for  land  exchanges  with  the  City  of 
Albany,  1787-1800. — Repairs  upon  the  church,  1789. — Mr.  Ellison's 
activity  in  the  City  and  Diocese.  —  Rectory  House  Built,  1792. — A  new 
church  building  projected,  1795. — Grant  of  ^1,000  l"rom  Trinity 
Church,  New  York  City,  towards  new  church,  1796. — The  City  of 
Albany  purchases  site  of  the  first  St.  Peter's  church,  1801. — Contract 
with  Philip  Hooker  to  build  a  new  church,  1802. — Death  of  Mr. 
Ellison,   1802. 

ALBANY  during  the  Revolution  was  a  busy  city. 
It  was  the  point  of  departure  for  many  Continen- 
tal troops  who  were  to  join  the  army  in  the  field,  a 
store-house  of  supplies  and  munitions  of  war,  a  hospital 
for  the  sick  and  wounded,  a  prison  for  British  soldiers, 
and  an  important  garrison  post.  Hither  came  Gen. 
Burgoyne  after  his  crushing  defeat,  and  in  the  home  of 
Gen.  Schuyler,  a  member  of  St.  Peter's,  passed  several 
months,  rather  as  an  honored  guest  than  as  a  prisoner 
of  war. 

With  the  anxiety  for  the  safety  of  the  city,  the  con- 
stant vigilance  that  had  to  be  exercised  and  the  exciting 
events  which  crowded  upon  each  other,  there  seemed  to 
be  for  a  time  no  distinction  between  the   Lord's   Day 
9 


-V„ 


130  Saint  Peter's  Church 

and  secular  days.  There  is  little  doubt  that  the  doors 
of  St.  Peter's  were  closed  except  for  occasional  services, 
when  some  army  chaplain,  of  whom  a  few  on  the 
American  side  were  churchmen,  was  in  the  city,  or 
some  pious  vestryman  like  John  Barclay  or  John 
Stevenson  read  the  service  and  a  sermon. 

The  close  of  the  war  found  the  city  exultant  at  the 
result.  The  Parish,  however,  was  disorganized,  and  it 
required  good  leadership  to  form  anew  a  strong  centre  of 
Christian  life  and  devotion.  Men  of  mark  like  Golds- 
brow  Banyar,  John  Stevenson,  Daniel  Hale,  Jacob  Van- 
derheyden  and  George  Merchant,  were  on  the  vestry. 
They  knew  that  in  the  thought  of  many  the  Church  had 
been  included  in  the  hatred  of  everything  English,  and 
that  they  must  show  the  people  of  Albany  that  the 
Church  of  their  love  was  not  insular,  nor  bound  down 
by  connection  with  the  state,  and  that  in  the  new 
Republic  there  was  room  for  that  form  of  faith  and 
worship  which  they  thought  apostolic.  The  parishes 
of  New  York  had  suffered  severely,  the  congregations 
were  scattered,  churches  closed,  wealth  and  influence 
diminished,  and  only  a  strong  confidence  in  God  and 
the  truth  as  they  knew  it,  sustained  the  patriotic  adherents 
of  the  Church  in  these  days  of  feebleness.  At  this  time 
Trinity  Parish  in  the  City  of  New  York  was  the  promoter 
of  unity  of  action,  and  the  early  measures  for  a  conven- 
tion of  delegates  from  the  parishes  of  the  State  were 
taken  by  her  clergy  and  laymen,  among  whom  were 
included  men  of  saintly  devotion  like  Benjamin  Moore, 
and  of  practical  utility  like  Samuel  Provoost,  Judge 
James  Duane,  Richard  Harison,  John  Jay  and  Robert 
Troup.  Its  congregation  had  increased  during  the  war, 
and  its  influence   had   greatly   extended.      Even   before 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  131 

New  York  was  ready  to  adapt  herself  to  the  changed 
condition  of  the  State,  there  were  churchmen  throughout 
the  country  who  had  the  courage  of  their  convictions, 
and  wished,  lilce  the  brave  men  of  Connecticut,  to  settle 
the  Church  upon  the  best  and  surest  foundations.  To 
the  heroic  clergymen  of  the  period,  Seabury,  Learning, 
Jarvis,  White,  Smith,  Bass  and  Parker,  due  honor  has 
been  given,  but  little  has  been  said  of  the  laymen  who 
in  many  a  small  parish  were  sustaining  with  prayer, 
influence  and  money,  the  work  that  to  some  seemed 
hopeless.  There  were  no  delegates  from  Albany  in  the 
early  Conventions  of  New  York  and  possibly  no  notices 
were  sent  to  that  city. 

On  July  3,  1785,  the  Rev.  John  Doty,  a  former 
rector  of  Schenectady,  and  then  "  Miss'y  of  Sorel  in  the 
province  of  Canada,"  as  he  records  himself  in  the  bap- 
tismal register,  was  in  the  city  and  baptised  two  children, 
one  of  them  being  the  son  of  negro  slaves. 

In  the  early  months  of  17 By,  when  the  country  was 
feeling  many  of  the  evil  effects  of  the  seven  years  con- 
flict, and  there  was  much  distress  among  the  people, 
a  young  English  clergyman  came  to  Albany,  and  on 
March  29th,  1787,  baptised  "  Joseph,  son  of  Benjamin 
Baker,  by  Jane,  his  wife."  The  reason  that  turned  the 
steps  of  Thomas  Ellison  to  Albany  can  only  be  con- 
jectured. A  well  known  merchant  of  New  York  and 
vestryman  of  Trinity  Church  bore  the  same  name,  and 
was  probably  a  relative,  as  the  name  is  common  in  the 
vicinity  of  Newcastle,  England.  With  the  reopening 
of  the  doors  of  St.  Peter's,  when  on  "  May  i,  1787, 
Mr.  Ellison  was  appointed  the  rector  of  said  Church," 
an  impetus  was  given  to  the  Church,  and  an  era  of 
prosperity  began.      The  strong  character  of  Mr.  Ellison 


132  Saint  Peter's  Church 

has  left  its  impress  on  the  parish  of  to-day.  He  was  the 
careful  guardian  of  every  interest  of  the  Church,  a  true 
missionary,  a  preacher  of  great  power,  a  scholar  of 
exactness  and  elegance,  a  teacher  able  and  successful, 
a  companion  witty  and  agreeable. 

That  any  Englishman  should  seek  America  at  such  a 
time  of  transition  in  both  Church  and  State  seems 
strange,  but  that  an  English  clergyman  should  do  so  is 
still  more  extraordinary.  The  settlement  of  Mr. 
Ellison  in  a  thoroughly  patriotic  city,  his  giving  himself 
heart  and  soul  to  the  building  up  of  a  church  which  had 
been  rent  and  wasted,  his  gaining  for  himself  from  all 
sorts  and  conditions  of  men  a  good  report,  his  ready 
adaptation  of  himself  to  his  surroundings,  show  his 
reality  and  his  ability  to  make  full  proof  of  his  ministry. 

Whether  any  specific  salary  was  pledged  to  Mr. 
Ellison  by  the  vestry,  or  he  expressed  a  willingness  to 
receive  whatever  could  be  secured  by  subscription,  can 
be  gathered  only  from  allusions  in  the  subscription  list 
which  is  dated  "May  i,  1788,"  and  in  which  the  sub- 
scribers expressly  say  in  the  heading:  "provided  the 
former  subscription  list  be  cancelled  or  annulled  so  far 
as  it  respects  any  of  the  present  subscribers."'  There 
are  three  classes  of  subscribers ;  those  who  agree  to  pay 
the  amount  pledged  "for  and  during  the  time  the  said 
Mr.  Ellison  shall  continue  to  officiate  in  the  aforesaid 
Church;"  those  who  subscribed  for  one  year,  and 
those  who  promise  the  same  amount  "till  we  signify 
to  them  (the  wardens  and  vestry)  a  discontinuance." 
In  the  first  class  there  are  eighty-seven  names. 
The    largest    amount    is    that    of    John    Tayler,     four 

'  (The  original  subscription  list  upon  a  large  sheet  of  parchment,  is 
now  among  the  archives  of  the  parish.) 


.-«,. 


The  Rev.  'Thomas  Ellison 

Rfctor  of  St.  /  H7-1802 


Fn,  rr:    ,11/   o/J'  Engrtivhlg 


I 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  133 

pounds  and  ten  shilHngs,  and  the  smallest  amount 
eight  shillings.  The  total  is  one  hundred  and  seven- 
teen pounds  and  fourteen  shillings.  In  the  second  class 
there  are  sixteen  names,  two  of  which  were  afterwards 
transferred  to  the  first  class.  In  the  third  class  there  are 
twenty-four  names  and  the  amount  is  twenty-three 
pounds.  The  total  number  of  subscribers  is  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty-seven,  and  the  grand  total  of  money 
pledged  is  one  hundred  and  fifty-nine  pounds  and  four- 
teen shillings,  which  at  that  time  was  equal  in  United 
States  currency  to  three  hundred  and  ninety-seven  dol- 
lars and  a  half.  Certainly  it  was  not  a  princely  salary, 
from  a  congregation  containing  many  families  of  wealth 
and  prominence,  in  a  city  that  was  soon  to  be  the  capital 
of  the  State.  It  is,  however,  to  be  remembered  that 
the  purchasing  power  of  money  was  greater  then  than 
now,  and  that,  in  addition  to  the  subscriptions,  there 
were  clerical  fees. 

Mr.  Ellison's  zeal  for  the  extension  of  the  Church 
led  him  to  search  out  scattered  churchmen  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Albany.  At  Kinderhook  he  found  "  Judge 
Silvester  and  others  who  occasionally  met  and  read  the 
services  of  the  Church."  To  this  little  company,  at 
their  request,  he  preached  on  Sunday,  June  17,  1787, 
in  the  Dutch  church  which  courteously  had  been  offered 
for  the  service. 

In  the  following  month,  Mr.  Ellison  rode  to  Schen- 
ectady at  the  request  of  the  wardens  and  vestry  of  St. 
George's  Church.  He  preached  on  Sunday,  July  22, 
in  the  once  beautiful  church  building  of  the  parish, 
then  sadly  neglected  and  ruined.  He  encouraged  Mr. 
John  W.  Brown,  Mr.  Charles  Martin,  and  the  few 
whom  the  recent  revolution  had  left  as  members  of  the 


134  Saint  Peter's  Church 

vestry,  to  repair  and  beautify  their  church,  and  to 
accept  such  services  as  he  was  able  to  give  them  until, 
in  1798,  the  Rev.  Robert  G.  Wetmore  became  rector. 
The  parish  was  admitted  into  union  with  the  Conven- 
tion of  the  Diocese  of  New  York  at  its  session  in  1790. 

While  thus  the  care  of  all  the  churches  in  Northern 
New  York  fell  upon  Mr.  Ellison,  he  was  mindful  of  the 
necessity  of  making  Albany  a  strong  centre,  and  over- 
coming the  prejudice  which  prevailed  against  "  the 
English  Church."  When  on  Christmas  Day,  1787,  he 
administered  the  Holy  Communion  there  were  thirty 
communicants.  He  notes  that  "  this  was  the  first  time 
of  its  having  been  administered  in  St.  Peter's  Church 
since  the  commencement  of  the  Revolution." 

Early  in  the  following  year  the  growth  of  the  city 
made  it  necessary  to  open  new  streets  and  extend  others. 
The  two  church  buildings  in  the  middle  of  State  Street 
obstructed  that  important  thoroughfare.  There  was 
a  prospect  that  the  Capital  of  the  State  would  be 
removed  from  New  York  city,  and  Albany  hoped  to 
attain  that  honor.  For  a  Capitol  building  there  was  no 
site  so  suitable  as  that  on  Fort  Hill  at  the  head  of  State 
Street.  There  were  members  of  the  City  Council  who 
were  careful  and  prudent,  who  believed  in  the  future  of 
the  city,  and  who  wished  to  obtain  every  advantage  for 
it  with  the  least  expenditure  of  money.  They  were 
shrewd  and  able,  but  found  in  the  rector  of  St.  Peter's 
and  some  of  the  vestry,  men  equally  strenuous  to  main- 
tain the  rights  guaranteed  by  charter  to  the  parish  of 
whose  temporal  interests  they  were  the  guardians. 

The  negotiations  on  both  sides  were  conducted  with 
great  care  and  formality.  Some  of  those  who  were 
members  of  the  city  government  were  also   prominent 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  135 

in  St.  Peter's  parish.  To  keep  a  nice  balance  between 
their  two  lines  of  duty  was  sometimes  difficult.  The 
earliest  intimation  of  a  desire  to  obtain  bv  exchange 
any  portion  of  the  property  of  the  parish,  is  found  in 
this  paragraph  from  a  careful  statement  of  the  whole 
transaction  made  by  the  rector. 

"  Sometime  previous  to  May,  1787,  the  corporation 
of  the  city  made  an  offer  to  the  vestry  by  their  Com- 
mittee, Messrs.  P.  W.  Yates  and  Philip  Van  Rensselaer, 
of  a  certain  spot  of  ground  near  the  Hospital  in  con- 
sideration of  continuing  Maiden  Lane  thro'  the  Burial 
Ground.  The  agreement  was  made  and  the  first  notice 
that  was  given  of  its  having  been  broken,  was  on  their 
seeing  it  measured  and  staked  out  for  the  Lutheran 
Congregation."  ' 

In  April,  1788,  the  Common  Council  proposed  a 
conference  between  a  committee  of  the  vestry  and  a 
committee  of  their  honorable  body,  to  consider  the 
opening  of  a  road  through  the  burial  ground  of  St. 
Peter's.  A  verbal  agreement  was  reached,  and  the 
proper  legal  documents  were  ready  for  signature.  The 
Mayor,  however,  the  Hon.  John  Lansing  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Constitutional  Convention,  then  in  session 
at  Poughkeepsie.  As  he  only  had  authority  to  affix  the 
seal  of  the  City,  the  agreement  could  not  be  acted  upon 
until  his  return.  In  the  meantime,  to  use  Mr.  Ellison's 
words  "  the  Common  Council  once  more  after  some 
disagreement  among  themselves  concerning  the  Schenec- 
tady Road,  thought  fit  to  break  the  agreement." 


'  Note  by  Mr.  Ellison  :  "  This  was  in  exchange  for  part  of  their 
Church  yard  which  obstructed  Washington  Street  thro'  which  the 
Committee  of  the  Corporation  had  to  go  in  their  way  to  the  Common 
Council." 


136  Saint   Peter's  Church 

The  Mayor,  on  his  return,  wrote  to  Mr.  EUison 
asking  him  to  lay  before  the  vestry  a  new  proposal  of 
the  Common  Council  for  certain  land,  north  of  Maiden 
Lane,  in  exchange  for  a  continuation  of  that  street.  It 
was  considered  in  a  vestry  meeting  on  October  2,  1788, 
when  a  letter  was  sent  in  which  the  vestry  say  "  that 
altho'  they  had  not  forgotten  the  contemptuous  manner 
in  which  they  had  twice  been  treated,  they  would  once 
more  enter  into  a  negotiation  as  the  improvement  of  the 
city  was  concerned,  but  they  could  not  accede  to  the 
present  proposals  as  they  had  the  prejudices  of  the 
people  against  cutting  thro'  the  Graves  to  remove, 
which  could  be  affected  only  by  a  handsome  exchange, 
and  the  ground  proposed  to  be  given  on  the  North  side 
of  Maiden  Lane  would  be  of  no  use  whatever  but  as  an 
addition  to  the  Burying  Ground." 

Here  the  matter  rested,  until  the  Common  Council 
in  1789  selected  Thomas  Hun  and  T.  V.  W.  Graham 
to  be  a  committee  to  treat  with  the  various  churches  for 
the  surrender  of  their  burial  grounds  and  for  their  accept- 
ance from  the  city  of  an  assigned  portion  of  a  common 
burial  plot.  It  was  on  the  nineteenth  of  September 
that  the  committee  reported:  "that  a  suitable  five  acre 
lot  for  a  common  burial  place  was  on  the  east  side  of 
the  plot  of  ground  which  had  been  the  site  of  the  bar- 
racks which  had  been  burned,  and  on  which  a  burial 
vault  had  been  constructed.  They  suggested  that  the 
easternmost  acre  should  be  granted  to  the  corporation  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  the  next  one  on  the  west  side 
to  the  Episcopal  Church,  the  next  to  the  Lutheran 
Church,  and  the  east  half  of  the  third  acre  to  the 
Reformed  High  Dutch  {German  Reformed),  and  the 
most  western  acre  and  remaining  half  acre  to  the  Dutch 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  137 

Church."'  It  took  a  whole  year  to  complete  the  matter 
formally.  Mr.  Ellison  was  the  agent  of  the  vestry 
and  no  step  was  taken  without  very  grave  consideration. 
While  these  matters  were  in  progress,  there  was  a  con- 
stant increase  in  the  regard  paid  St.  Peter's  Church  and  its 
rector  by  the  people.  In  the  minds  of  many  the  old 
church  building  was  too  small,  and  in  some  ways  incon- 
venient for  the  congregation,  but  nothing  could  be  done 
until  the  controversy  with  the  city  was  settled. 

Mr.  Ellison  was  becoming  a  man  of  note  in  the 
diocese,  and  when  on  November  4,  1788,  he  took  his 
seat  in  the  convention  of  the  diocese,  which  met  in  the 
City  of  New  York,  he  found  full  scope  for  his  execu- 
tive ability.^  At  the  convention  of  1787  he  was  not 
present,  but  took  pains  that  the  interests  of  the 
Church  in  Northern  New  York  were  brought  to  the 
attention  of  those  in  authority.  The  Journal  says: 
"A  letter  addressed  to  the  Right  Reverend  the  Bishop, 
by  the  Congregation  at  Balltown,  requesting  to  be 
recognized  by  the  Convention,  was  read  and  approved. 
A  letter  of  like  import  respecting  the  Episcopal  Church 
in  Albany,  addressed  to  the  Bishop  by  the  Reverend  Mr. 
Ellison,  their   Minister,  was  also  read  and  approved." 

Mr.  Ellison  had  noted  with  alarm  in  his  journeys 
"to  the  northward"  the  tendency  on  the  part  of  many 
to  seize  upon  property,  especially  lands,  belonging  to 
the  Church.  Many  had  done  this  ignorantly,  suppos- 
ing that  the  Church  of  England  had  been  abolished  in 
this  country  with  the  English   sovereignty.      The  glebe 

'  p.  407.  The  History  of  the  City  of  Albany,  from  the  Discovery 
of  the  great  River  in  1524,  by  Verrazzano,  to  the  Present  Time.  By 
Arthur  James  Weise,  M.  A. 

■  The  lay  delegates  were  John  Tayler,  Daniel  Hale,  James  Fairlie, 
Jacob  Vander  Heyden. 


138  Saint  Peter's  Church 

at  Fort  Hunter  was  held  illegally.  It  was  the  property 
of  the  Venerable  Society  by  purchase  from  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Henry  Barclay,  who  had  acquired  the  Indian  title 
and  also  secured  a  deed  from  the  city  of  Albany  which 
claimed  the  land.  Dr.  Barclay  had  improved  the  farm, 
and,  on  the  payment  of  the  amount  he  had  expended, 
conveyed  it  to  the  Society.  It  was  the  home  of  Dr. 
John  Stuart  during  his  incvimbency,  and  until  his 
removal  with  the  Indians  to  Canada.  Mr.  Ellison,  and 
others,  thought  the  glebe  should  be  of  benefit  to  the 
congregations  of  the  Church  in  Northern  New  York. 
Its  rental  would  be  a  welcome  addition  to  the  small 
pecuniary  resources  of  St.  Peter's  and  St.  George's, 
Schenectady.  It  was  understood  that  a  portion  of  the 
glebe  was  still  claimed  by  the  City  of  Albany.  Possibly 
the  rector  of  St.  Peter's  knew  what  were  the  intentions 
of  the  Society  although  they  had  been  disclosed  to  very 
few.  To  obtain  from  the  Society  a  definite  and  formal 
answer  concerning  their  property  in  the  State  was  prob- 
ably the  reason  for  Mr.  Ellison's  resolution  in  Conven- 
tion, providing  for  a  committee  of  six:  "  to  inquire  into 
the  state  of  the  property  belonging  to  the  Society  for 
the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel,  &c.,  within  this  State, 
and  of  any  other  property  to  which  the  Church  may 
have  a  just  claim;  and  to  devise  the  most  effectual 
means  for  securing  the  same  to  the  Church."  ' 

The  committee  was  selected  with  very  great  care  as  it 
was  intended  to  carry  weight  both  in  the  State  and  in 
England.  No  men  fitter  to  serve  could  have  been 
elected  than  the  Revs.  Joshua  Bloomer,  Abraham 
Beach,  Benjamin  Moore,  the  Hon.  James  Duane,  the 
Hon.  John  Jay  and  Mr.  Richard  Harison. 

'  Reprint  of  Journals,      p.  29. 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  139 

Mr.  Ellison  had  the  honor  of  being  chosen  one  of  the 
delegates  to  the  General  Convention  of  1789.  On  his 
return  to  his  parochial  duties  the  need  of  a  change  in 
the  legal  title  of  the  parish  was  apparent  and,  after  con- 
sulting with  the  vestry,  it  was  determined  to  petition 
the  legislature  for  a  special  act,  authorizing  the  change 
and  confirming  in  other  respects  the  royal  charter. 
This  action  followed  the  precedent  set  by  Trinity 
Church,  New  York,  for  which  a  special  act  confirming 
their  charter  from  the  crown  and  the  grants  made  by  the 
royal  governors,  was  passed  at  the  session  of  1784,  and 
a  supplementary  act  changing  the  name  of  the  corpora- 
tion at  the  session  of  1788.'  The  petition  from  St. 
Peter's  vestry  was  in  charge  of  Mr.  Ellison,  and  on 
March  3,  1789,  the  act  was  passed  by  which  the  cor- 
poration was  thereafter  to  be  known  as  "The  Rector  and 
Inhabitants  of  the  City  of  Albany  in  Communion  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  New 
York."^  The  other  parishes  incorporated  under  royal 
charters  generally  availed  themselves  of  the  provisions 
of  a  general  act  for  the  incorporation  of  churches  passed 
in  1797.=' 

'  See  The  Charter  of  Trinity  Church  in  the  City  of  New  York  and 
laws  and  proceedings  relating  to  same.  Albany,  C.  Van  Benthuysen  & 
Co.,  1846.     pp.  zz-z8. 

'  See  appendix  for  a  copy  of  the  act. 

'  The  late  Hon  Gulian  C.  Verplanck,  well  known  both  for  his 
scholarship  and  his  legal  attainments,  in  his  testimony  before  the  Senate 
Committee  in  the  Trinity  Church  case  on  Feb.  21,  1857,  says,  in 
answer  to  the  question:  "Do  vou  know  of  anv  other  of  the  old  Epis- 
copal Church  Charters  in  this  State,  granted  in  the  same  terms  as  that 
of  Trinity  Church?"  "The  old  form  of  holding  Church  property 
before  the  Revolution,  was  the  rector,  wardens  and  inhabitants  of  the 
town  or  city  in  which  it  was,  in  communion  of  the  Church  of  England. 
Several  of  these  were  altered  to  conform  to  the  new  state  of  things  atter 
the    Revolution,   retaining  their  own  name,   except  modified  as  to  the 


140  Saint   Peter's  Church 

Mr.  Ellison  made  an  extended  missionary  tour  in 
January  of  this  year  through  Montgomery  County  to 
the  Tiennderrah  or  Unidellah  "on  the  supposition  that 
the  children  of  some  members  of  the  Church  might 
not  have  received  Baptism."  Of  this  journey,  and  of 
the  general  state  of  his  parish  and  of  the  Church  in 
Northern  New  York,  there  is  a  vivid  picture  in  this 
letter  of  Mr.  Ellison,  which  was  sent  to  the  Bishop  of 
New  York,  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Provoost: 

Albany,  May  9,   1789. 

"  Right  Rev.  Father. — As  it  will  be  necessary  to  make  alterations 
in  the  Liturgy  with  respect  to  the  President,  &c.,  I  take  the  liberty  of 
requesting  your  instructions  and  orders. 

"  I  am  happy  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  inform  you  that  our  Church 
has  made  a  great  increase  ;  and  should  it  continue  to  be  kept  together, 
I  have  not  a  doubt  but  that  many  congregations  would  be  formed  about 
us;  and  yet,  as  its  resources  are  so  trifling  and  precarious,  I  fear  I  must 
resolve,  from  consideration  of  prudence,  to  quit  my  charge.  It  my 
situation  were  more  comfortable  in  that  respect,  I  flatter  myself  that  I 
could  render  essential  service  to  the  Church  in  general,  for  I  have  it 
close  at  heart,  and  should  then  have  it  more  in  my  power  to  collect  its 
scattered  members  into  bodies. 

"  Since  my  residence  here,  I  have  christened  exactly  one  hundred 
and  ten  children.  In  January  last  I  made  an  extensive  journey,  and 
christened  twelve  children  ;  and  had  I  been  able  to  have  spent  a  fort- 
night longer  in  the  excursion,  I  suppose  I  should  have  christened  at 
least  forty.      The  distance  I  went  was  one  hundred  and  twelve  miles,  a 

Church  of  England.  Trinity  Church  was  by  a  special  act ;  St.  Peter's, 
Albany,  was  so  modified  ;  the  Church  with  which  I  have  been  long 
connected  in  Fishkill,  Dutchess  County,  holds  the  burial  grounds  and 
buildings  under  a  title  in  the  same  form.  It  reincorporated  itself  under 
a  General  act,  passed  in  1797,  and  its  corporate  title  is,  The  Rector, 
Wardens,  and  Inhabitants  of  Fishkill,  in  communion  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church." 

Testimony  taken  before  the  Senate  Committee  in  the 
matter  of  Trinity  Church.  Transmitted  to  the  Legislature, 
Feb.  28,  1857.  (Albany,  C.  Van  Benthuysen,  Printer 
to  the  Legislature,  1857.)      p.    97. 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  141 

journey  of  four  days,  through  a  very  wild  country,  which  afforded  most 
uncomfortable  accommodations  ;  but  it  afforded  me  a  very  high  degree 
of  pleasure  to  find  that  many  of  our  Church  were  scattered  throughout, 
who  would  not  relinquish  the  hope  of  being  able  at  some,  though  per- 
haps a  distant  period,  to  see  churches  established.  I  found  that  many  of 
them  had  got  children  christened  by  ministers  of  other  churches,  despair- 
ing of  the  opportunity  which  my  visit  afforded,  and,  as  I  promised  them 
to  make  a  second  visit  during  this  summer,  if  I  remain  here,  and  should 
I  find  that  I  could  afford  to  do  so,  I  have  not  a  doubt  but  that  many 
will  be  offered  to  receive  that  Institution. 

"  When  I  first  settled  here,  I  found  the  prejudice  of  the  generality  of 
people  running  very  high  against  our  Church  ;  for  the  Presbyterians  and 
Dutch  ministers,  who  are  very  warmly  attached  to  them,  had  spoken  of 
it  neither  with  charity  nor  respect.  These  prejudices  now  begin  to 
subside,  and  their  insidious  purposes  begin  to  operate  in  favor,  rather 
than  in  disservice,  as  they  were  intended. 

"  If  our  congregation  were  able  to  make  certain  necessary  repairs, 
with  regard  to  turning  the  pews,  I  am  certain  we  might  have  the 
number  very  advantageously  increased,  and  have  not  a  doubt  but  that 
the  congregation  would  be  increased  by  one  fourth. 

"  Mrs.  Ellison  desires  me  to  present  her  very  respectful  compliments 
to  yourself,  Mrs.  Provoost,  and  family,  in  which  I  cannot  but  join  most 
cordially. 

"  We  hope  to  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  Mrs.  Provoost  with  you 
when  you  extend  your  visitation  hither  ;  and  I  must  beg  leave  to  know 
when  that  will  be  convenient. 

I  am.  Right  Rev.  Father, 

With  all  duty  and  respect, 

T.  ELLISON.' 

Soon  after  sending  this  letter  Mr.  Ellison  arranged 
for  extensive  repairs  on  the  church  building.  What 
was  then  done  is  thus  detailed   in   the   ''  Notitia   Paro- 

'  This  letter  was  in  a  package  of  papers  of  Bp.  Provoost  used  by 
Dr.  John  N.  Norton  when  he  prepared  his  life  of  Bp.  Provoost,  in  the 
Series  of  Lives  of  the  Bishops,  published  by  the  General  Sunday  School 
Union  (l  859-1 863).  Since  then  the  papers,  which  included  the 
Bishops  certificate  of  consecration,  have  disappeared,  and  cannot  be 
traced.      The  letter  is  on  pp.   153-155  oi  Life  of  Bishop  Provoost. 


142  Saint  Peter's  Church 

chialis"  :  "The  roof  of  the  church  was  mended,  the 
building  painted  and  wall  white-washed,  gallery  beauti- 
fied, &c.,  &c."  "  The  Font  removed  from  under  the 
gallery."  In  the  course  of  the  same  summer,  the  rec- 
tor presented  and  placed  above  the  door  of  the  church  a 
sun  dial,  "  which  was  graduated  by  Mr.  De  Witt, 
Surveyor  General,  and  painted  by  Mr.  Casparus  Hew- 
son,  vestrymen,  and  the  gnomon  of  which  was  made  by 
Mr.  Wm.  Shepherd,  vestryman."  When  during 
August  of  this  year  St.  Peter's  was  "  shut  up  on 
account  of  repairs  and  cleaning,"  the  congregation 
through  the  courtesy  of  the  Consistory,  worshipped  in 
the  Lutheran  church,  recalling  vividly  to  those  who 
knew  the  parish  history,  the  days  when  Thomas  Bar- 
clay and  the  little  flock  of  churchmen  had  held  service 
in  the  small  old  Lutheran  chapel  on  the  same  site.' 

The  necessity  of  superintending  the  repairs  upon  St. 
Peter's  did  not  allow  Mr.  Ellison  to  have  the  honor  of 
attending  the  important  sessions  of  the  General  Con- 
vention of  1789,  and  taking  part  in  the  legislation 
which  brought  unity  and  peace  to  the  American  Church. - 

In  the  following  March,  the  Corporation  of  the  City 
completed   its    negotiations    for    giving    to  the   various 

'  This  church  had  been  built  in  1786-87  on  the  site  of  the  former 
church  "  on  the  north  side  of  the  Rutten  Kill,  on  the  west  side  of 
Washington  (now  South  Pearl)  Street  between  Beaver  and  Nail  Streets." 
See  Weise's  Albany,  p.  396. 

'•'  This  convention  met  in  Christ  Church,  Philadelphia.  Its  first 
session  was  from  Wednesday,  July  29,  to  Saturday,  August  8th.  It 
adjourned  till  Tuesday,  Sept.  29,  when  Bishop  Seabury  and  deputies 
from  New  England  were  present.  The  Constitution  was  amended,  the 
House  of  Bishops  organized,  the  Prayer  Book  revised  and  Canons  set 
forth.  See  Bioren's  Reprint  of  Journals  of  the  General  Convention, 
Philadelphia,  1817,  pp.  45-112.  Perry's  Half  Century  of  Legislation, 
Claremont,  N.  H.,  1874,  I,  pp.  63-144.  Perry's  History  of  the 
American  Church,  Boston,   1885,  II,  pp.  75-89. 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  143 

congregations  new  burial  grounds.  IVtr.  Ellison  says: 
"  A  Resolution  of  the  Common  Council  was  read  in 
Vestry,  offering  to  the  different  congregations  a  burial 
ground  on  condition  that  no  corpse  should  be  interred 
in  any  of  the  churches,  or  in  any  of  the  old  burial 
grounds  after  June  15th  next,  which  offer  the  Vestry 
accepted."  ' 

The  formal  deed  of  conveyance  was  executed  on 
April  16,  when,  as  the  rector  says,  "  A  new  seal  pre- 
sented to  the  Church  by  Mr.  Ellison  was  used  for  the 
first  time.  The  devices  on  this  seal,  the  inverted  cross, 
the  crozier,  the  key  and  the  mitre,  are  in  allusion  to  the 
Death,  the  Charge  of  the  Flock,  the  Power  of  the  Keys, 
and  the  office  of  St.  Peter  in  the  Church  of  Christ."  '^ 
This  seal  is  still  in  use  by  the  parish. 

The  removal  of  the  dead  from  the  old  burial  ground, 
left  the  parish  with  a  large  tract  of  land  available  for 
rental  or  for  exchange  with  the  City.  Negotiations 
with  the  City  were  renewed,  and  on  September  21, 
1790,  a  deed  was  executed  by  which  the  City  of  Albany 
conveyed  to  the  Corporation  of  St.  Peter's  Church, 
''  certain  lots  on  Eagle,  State,  Lodge  and  Pine  streets 
and  Maiden  Lane  *  *  *  in  exchange  for  so  much 
land  as  was  necessary  for  continuing  Maiden  Lane  thro' 
the  burial  ground  on  Fort  Hill."  *  With  commend- 
able foresight  this  covenant  was  put  into  the  deed: 

"  And  the  said  parties  of  the  second  Part  do  hereby  covenant, 
promise,  grant  and  agree  to  and  with  the  said  Parties  of  the  first  Part  in 
Manner  following,  that  is  to  say,  that  if  St.  Peter's  Church  in  State 
Street  shall  at  any  time  hereafter  be  destroyed  or  demolished,  no  Church 
or  other  building  shall  be  erected,  on  any  part  ot  the  ground  whereon 
the  said  Church  is  now  erected,  or  any  Inclosure   extending  beyond  the 

'  Mr.  Ellison's  MS.      The  Landed  Estate  of  St.  Peter's  Church. 
"  Mr.  Ellison's  MSS.  Notitia  Parochialis. 


144  Saint  Peter's  Church 

inside  of  the  walls  of  the  said  Church,  shall  at  any  time  hereafter  be 
erected  on  the  grounds  whereon  the  said  Church  now  stands,  in  case  the 
said  Parties  of  the  first  Part  shall  pay  the  value  of  the  ground  whereon 
the  said  Church  is  now  erected  to  the  said  parties  of  the  second  Part,  or 
their  assignees,  such  value  to  be  ascertained  by  four  disinterested  sworn 
appraisers,  two  whereof  to  be  appointed  by  each  of  the  said  Parties." 

Mr.  Ellison  notes  that  "  The  Church  before  the 
exchange  had  not  a  single  front  to  any  street,  nor  could 
they  turn  the  ground  to  any  material  advantage  without 
making  a  road  through  it,  and  so  making  a  front  on 
each  side.  Five  (  ?)  pounds  was  the  highest  rent  ever 
given  for  the  whole."  ' 

Mr.  Ellison's  habit  of  recording  items  of  permanent 
value  is  indicated  by  this  entry:  "  Oct.  3,  1790,  The 
sac't  administered  to  36  and  the  Liturgy  of  the  American 
Church  first  used."  The  Prayer  Book  as  revised  at 
the  General  Convention  of  1789  was  not  issued  until 
August,  1790,  by  Hall  &  Sellers  of  Philadelphia  in  a 
small   duodecimo   volume.^     The   ratification   provided 

'  MSS.  Notitia  Parochialis.  The  word  above  written  "five"  may 
possibly  be  "two"  or  "ten."  It  is  obscure  in  the  original.  See 
appendices. 

"  Our  first  American  Prayer  Book  as  set  forth  by  the  General  Conven- 
tion in  October,  1789,  is  a  small  duodecimo  volume,  published  in  Phila- 
delphia, in  August,  1790,  by  Hall  &  Sellers.  This  firm  was  the 
successor  of  Franklin  &  Hall,  and  "The  Newest  Printing  Office"  on 
the  board  over  their  door,  which  remained  in  that  position  until  1814, 
was  placed  there  originally  by  Benjamin  Franklin.  The  Proposed  Book 
had  also  been  published  by  Hall  &  Sellers.  This  editio  pri/iceps  of 
I  790  is  a  carefully  printed  book,  on  good  paper,  with  two  columns  to 
the  page,  and  with  a  line  between  the  columns,  and  has  very  few  typo- 
graphical errors  in  it.  As  in  English  Prayer  Books  of  that  time,  the 
pages  of  it  are  not  numbered,  except  in  the  Psalms  in  Metre,  where  a 
separate  title  page  is  given,  and  the  pages  are  marked  by  Arabic  numbers, 
in  all  221  (iii)  pages.  The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Convention 
of  1789,  to  superintend  the  printing  of  this  Book,  consisted  of  Bishop 
White,  Rev.  Drs.  Smith,  Magaw,  and  Blackwell,  and  Messrs.  Hopkin- 
son  and   Coxe. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Frederick  Gibson,  in  Liturgies  Americana:,  by  Wm. 
McGarvey,  B.  D.,  Philadelphia,  1895,  p.  LVI. 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  145 

that  it  should  be  in  use  from  Oct.  i,  1790.  Previous 
to  that  date  many  of  the  beautiful  folio  prayer  books 
sent  over  from  England  had  interlineations  made  by  the 
rectors  embodying  the  alterations.  These  books  are 
still  preserved  in  some  of  the  colonial  parishes.  It  is  of 
interest  to  note  that  Mr.  Ellison  uses  the  term 
"  American  Church."  It  is  probable  that  this  term  was 
used  in  ordinary  conversation  or  writing  at  that  period, 
and  the  use  of  the  legal  title  practically  confined  to 
formal  documents  and  occasions. 

With  all  this  activity  for  the  well  being  of  the  tem- 
poralities of  the  parish,  the  rector  was  a  faithful  pastor. 
His  letter  to  Bishop  Provoost  shows  that  he  was 
preparing  for  an  episcopal  visitation,  and  hoping 
that  one  would  be  held  before  the  more  aged  communi- 
cants, who  had  been  admitted  in  the  sad  days  when  there 
was  no  bishop  "  to  ordain  some,  confirm  others,  and  bless 
all,"  should  depart  this  life.  His  preparation  was 
thorough  and  systematic.  The  tracts  written  for  English 
churchmen  on  confirmation  were  not  altogether  suitable 
to  impress  upon  the  minds  of  those  who  had  never  wit- 
nessed that  apostolic  rite,  its  true  significance  and 
benefits.  The  Bishop  of  Connecticut,  in  his  memorable 
Primary  Charge,  had  spoken  with  force  and  eloquence 
upon  the  necessity  of  confirmation,  and  had  given  some 
plain  instructions  to  his  clergy.  The  pamphlet  con- 
taining this  charge,  however,  circulated  principally  in 
Connecticut,  and  was  not  available  for  general  use.' 

'  The  Address  of  the  Episcopal  Clergy  of  Connecticut  to  the  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  Seaburv  with  the  Bishop's  Answer,  and  a  sermon 
before  the  Convention  at  Middletown,  August  3rd,  1785,  by  the  Rev. 
Jeremiah  Leaming,  A.  M.,  Rector  of  Christ's  Church,  Stratford,  also 
Bishop  Seabury's  first  Charge  to  the  clergy  of  his  Diocess,  delivered  at 
Middletown,  August  4,  1785.  With  a  list  of  the  succession  of  Scot's 
10 


146  Saint  Peter's  Church 

With  his  ready  adaptability,  Mr.  ElHson  wrote  a 
concise  treatise  upon  the  necessity  of  confirmation,  its 
origin  and  permanence  in  the  Christian  Church,  and  the 
manner  in  which  baptised  Christians  should  prepare  for 
it.  While  intended  specially  for  parish  use,  the  little 
book  evidently  had  an  extensive  sale.  It  is  of  value 
not  only  intrinsically,  but  also  as  probably  the  first 
tract  on  the  subject  written  by  an  American  clergyman. 
It  was  published  anonymously,  but  internal  evidence 
and  the  fact  that  the  only  known  copy  has  an  inscrip- 
tion in  Mr.  Ellison's  handwriting,  sufficiently  identify 
him  as  the  author.' 

It  was  a  joyous  day  to  the  whole  parish,  when  in 
September,  1791,  the  Bishop  of  New  York  sailed  up 
the  Hudson  to  make  his  primary  visitation  of  St. 
Peter's.  To  many  of  the  congregation  Dr.  Provoost 
was  probably  personally  known  as  the  "  Whig  par- 
son," who,  although  he  would  not  take  any  active  part 
against  his  brethren  who  preferred  the  settled 
order  of  things,  from  his  retirement  at  East 
Camp  watched  the  revolutionary  struggle  with  deep 
interest  and  sympathy.  He  had  on  at  least  one 
occasion     gone     to      Albany     and     officiated     at     St. 

Bishops  from  the  Revolution  in  1688,  to  the  present  Time.  12  mo., 
pp.  8,  18,  15,  4.  New  Haven:  printed  by  Thomas  and  Samuel 
Green. 

'  The  tract  is  entitled:  A  Short  Account  of  the  Apostolic  Rite  of 
Confirmation,  to  which  are  added  Directions  to  those  who  would  prepare 
truly  to  receive  it.  Printed  in  Albany  (1791)  by  Charles  R.  and 
George  Webster,  No.  46  State  Street,  corner  Middle  Lane,  and  sold  at 
Spencer's  and  Ellison's  bookstores,  Albany — By  Messrs.  Martin  & 
Co.,  Schenectady  ;  Mr.  Thos.  Burgess,  Warrensbush  ;  Capt.  Waterous, 
Ballston  ;  Mr.  John  Hitchcock,  Kingsbury,  and  Mr.  James  Masters, 
Schagticoke.  The  only  copy  known  is  in  the  Library  of  the  General 
Theological  Seminary,  New  York  City.  It  is  inscribed  in  Mr.  Elli- 
son's handwriting  :   "The  Rev.  Dr.  Moore." 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  147 

Peter's.^  There  are  but  few  details  of  the  visitations 
made  by  him.  We  know  that  he  was  inclined  to  follow 
the  prevalent  custom  of  his  episcopal  brethren  in  Eng- 
land, and  seldom,  if  ever,  visit  any  parish  oftener  than 
once  in  three  years.  It  was  more  than  four  years  and  a 
half  after  his  consecration  before  he  came  to  Albany,  or 
any  parish  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state.  As  the 
rector  of  a  large  parish  he  had  important  priestly  work. 
The  idea  that  the  bishop  should  be  the  chief  missionary, 
did  not  enter  into  Bishop  Provoost's  view  of  the  nature 
of  the  episcopal  office.  This  visitation  to  St.  Peter's 
excited  great  interest,  and  attracted  many  to  witness  the 
novel  sight  of  a  bishop  in  the  old  Dutch  town.  The 
series  of  services  commenced  on  Sunday,  September  11, 
when  the  bishop,  who  was  accompanied  by  the  Rev. 
Samuel  Nesbitt,  as  chaplain,  preached  in  the  parish 
church.  On  Wednesday,  September  14,  the  rector 
presented  one  hundred  and  forty-seven  persons  to  receive 
the  apostolic  rite  of  laying  on  of  hands.  Grey  haired 
men  and  women  who  had  been  for  many  years  com- 
municants, and  young  men  and  maidens,  welcomed  the 
opportunity  of  receiving  the  seal  of  the  Lord  in  con- 
firmation. Among  those  confirmed  there  were  eleven 
"  persons  of  colour." 

The  increase  in  the  number  of  communicants  was 
not  immediately  apparent.  At  that  time  each  step 
in  the  Christian  life  was  taken  with  great  deliberation. 
There  was  often  an  interval  of  many  months,  sometimes 
years,  before  confirmation  was  followed  by  reception  of 

'  Bp.  Provoost's  latest  biographer,  Gen.  James  Grant  Wilson,  notes 
the  endorsement  on  a  MS,  sermon  in  his  possession  which  indicates 
that  it  was  preached  at  Albany  in  March,  1776.  He  also  prints  an 
extract  from  the  sermon.  See  "  Centennial  History  ot  the  Diocese  01 
New  York."      New  York,   1885,  pp.   130,  131. 


148  Saint  Peter's  Church 

the  Holy  Communion.  This  was  due,  in  part,  to 
inadequate  preparation  for  confirmation,  but  largely  to 
reverence  for  the  Sacrament  and  a  dread  of  receiving 
unworthily  the  Body  and  Blood  of  the  Lord.  On  the 
following  Sunday,  September  18,  the  Bishop,  as  Mr. 
Ellison  records:  "admitted  to  the  order  of  Priesthood, 
the  Rev'd  Daniel  Barber,  of  Manchester,  Vermont, 
in  St.  George's,  Schenectady,  the  Rev.  T.  Ellison 
officiating  as  Archdeacon  and  preached  the  sermon. 
Next  day,  Monday,  the  Bishop  confirmed  fifty-three  in 
said  Church."      Thus  closed  a  memorable  visitation.^ 

Mr.  Ellison  had  taken  great  interest  in  the  organi- 
zation of  the  Church  in  Vermont.  A  letter  which  he 
wrote  was  read  before  the  primary  convention  which 
met  in  Arlington,  in  September,  1790.  He  received 
the  formal  thanks  of  the  convention  and  was  requested 
to  preach  at  the  opening  of  the  next  convention.^ 
The  only  contemporary  evidence  that  a  convention  in 
1791   was   held   in   Vermont  is   found  in  Mr.  Ellison's 

The  '■'"Notitia"  closes  with  the  year  1791.  The  last 
entry  is:  "Dec.  25,  1791.  This  being  Christmas  Day 
the  Sacrament  was  administered  to  fifty-eight  persons." 
For  the  remaining  years  of  Mr.  Ellison's  ministry  there 
is  no  complete  record.  Three  pages  and  a  half  of  the 
register  are  filled  with  entries  of  marriages  and  baptisms 
recorded  by  the  Rev.  Wm.  B.  Lacey  "from  scraps  of 
paper  in  the  hand-writing  of  the  Rev.  Thos.  Ellison 
handed  to  him  by  Thos.  W.  Ford,  Esq."      It  was  said 

'  See  appendix. 

"  See  Documentary  History   of  the   Church  in  Vermont,  p.    12. 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  149 

by  one  who  knew,  that  after  the  death  of  Mr.  Ellison: 
"All  the  books  and  papers  belonging  to  the  rector 
officially,  which,  according  to  custom,  should  have  been 
carefully  kept  together  and  given  to  his  successor,  were 
scattered  over  the  city.  The  Wardens,  the  Vestrymen, 
the  clerk  and  others  divided  among  them  the  books,  the 
papers,  the  charter,  the  seal.  Some  of  these  have 
since  been  collected  but  much  remains  out  of  the  hands 
of  the  present  Rector  that  ought  to  be  found  with  him."* 
Some  of  these  records  are  now  in  the  archives,  but 
many  documents  and  books  in  existence  eightv  years 
ago  cannot  now  be  found,  among  them  the  vestry  min- 
utes to  1802.  The  statistics  for  the  years  from  1787  to 
1792  show  that  the  church  was  growing  rapidly.  There 
were  two  hundred  and  nineteen  baptisms,  fifty  marriages, 
and  nine  burials ;  the  latter  record,  however,  is  imperfect. 
Early  in  the  following  year  Mr.  Ellison's  plan  for  a 
proper  parsonage  was  carried  into  effect.  A  contract 
was  made  on  February  17,  1792,  between  "Isaac  Pack- 
ard, House  Carpenter,"  and  the  Corporation  of  St. 
Peter's  to  build  a  house  "front  Lodge  Street  and  on  the 
south  side  of  Maiden  Lane,  to  be  forty-one  feet  in 
length,  thirty-four  feet  in  width."  It  was  to  have  two 
stories,  the  lower  one  to  have  nine  windows  and  the 
upper  one  eight.  Above  was  to  be  a  garret,  with  two 
windows  at  each  gable  end.  There  were  to  be  "two 
outside  doors,  each  divided  into  half  doors.  The  front 
door  was  to  have  six  panels  raised  and  to  be  lined  on 
the  inside,  and  to  have  a  frontispiece  equal  for  work- 
manship to  that  of  John  D.  P.  Douw  in  State  street. 
The  roof  was  to  be  well  boarded  and  shingled."    The 

'  The    Answer  of  the  Congregation  of  St.    Peter's   Church,   to  the 
Pamphlet   of  Lt.    Gov.    Tayler  and  others,   p.   14. 


150  Saint  Peter's  Church 

house  was  "to  be  finished  on  or  before  the  first  day  of 
August  next."  The  contract  price  was  "one  hundred 
and  sixty  pounds,  New  York  Currency."' 

Mr.  Ellison  had  lived  in  a  house  on  the  south  side 
of  State  street,  nearly  opposite  the  southeast  bastion  of 
the  fort.  A  writer  upon  old  Albany  describing  it  says: 
The  house  occupied  by  Mr.  Ellison  was  standing  in 
1850,  looking  much  the  worse  for  age,  although  it  never 
had  any  pretensions  to  elegance.  It  was  long  the  well 
known  chair  factory  of  L.  McChesney.  This  is  also 
the  property  of  Mr.  Philip  Wendell,  who  built  a  manu- 
factory upon  it.  "^ 

Mr.  Ellison  soon  added  to  his  other  cares  the  charge 
of  several  pupils,  whom  he  took  into  his  own  family, 
and  instructed  with  skill  and  precision  in  mathematics 
and  the  classics.  They  were  fitted  by  him  for  an  early 
entrance  into  college.  Among  these  boys  was  a  son  of 
Judge  Cooper  of  Otsego  Hall,  James  Fenimore,  who 
entered  Yale  College  at  the  age  of  thirteen,  and  became 
known  as  the  first  and  most  famous  American  novelist. 
Mr.  Ellison  is  said  to  have  been  a  strict  disciplinarian, 
to  have  been  the  first  to  introduce  the  scansion  of  Latin 
poetry  in  this  country,  and  to  have  given  to  all  his 
pupils  a  judicious  knowledge  of  the  classics  of  English 
literature.  When  the  Albany  City  School  was  projected 
in  1796,  Mr.  Ellison,  Rev.  John  B.  Johnson,  colleague 
of  Rev.  John  Bassett  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church, 
and  Wm.  McClelland  became  its  trustees. 

Mr.  Ellison's  reputation  as  an  accomplished  theo- 
logian   brought    from    Cornish,    New     Hampshire,    to 

'  The  original  contract,  from  wliich  the  extracts  in  the  text  are  taken, 
is  among  the  archives  of  St.  Peter's. 

^  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,  I,  p.  314. 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  151 

Albany  in  the  fall  of  1796,  Philander  Chase,  a  young 
man  whose  desire  to  study  for  the  holy  ministry  led 
him  to  take  the  long  journey  and  place  himself  under 
the  instruction  of  the  "  English  dominie  "  as  a  candi- 
date for  holy  orders.  Mr.  Chase  brought  with  him  a 
letter  of  commendation  from  the  Convention  of  Vermont. 
His  arrival  in  Albany  he  picturesquely  details  in  his 
"  Reminiscenses, "  written  when  for  many  years  he  had 
borne  the  honor  and  endured  the  hardship  of  being  the 
pioneer  western  bishop  of  the  American  Church.  Mr. 
Chase's  account  gives  the  only  description  extant  of 
the    personal   appearance   of  the    rector  of  St.    Peter's: 

"  To  an  inexperienced  young  man,  without  letters  of  commendation, 
this  going  to  Albany  was  an  enterprise  of  no  small  importance  ;  and  his 
feelings  on  that  occasion  will  never  be  forgotten.  Hitherto  he  had 
been  conversant  with  pastoral  life,  and  with  the  inhabitants  only  of 
villages  and  hamlets.  He  had  now  to  enter  a  city  with  crowded  streets 
and  bustling  with  business.  To  add  to  his  embarrassment,  he  knew 
not  a  soul  in  it,  nor  how  to  get  intelligence  of  the  person  he  wished 
most  to  see,  and  still  further  to  depress  his  feelings,  he  had  but  one 
crown  of  money  in  his  pocket,  so  much  more  had  his  expenses  already 
been  than  he  expected  when  leaving  his  friends  in  Cornish.  He 
pressed,  however,  fearlessly  forward  ;  God  was  with  him,  opening  his 
way  and  directing  his  steps.  Having  passed  Market,  he  entered  Court 
Street,  and  stopping  at  '  Wendal's  Hotel  '  inquired  '  Where  lives  the 
Rev.  Thomas  Ellison,  the  Episcopal  clergyman.''  'What,  the  English 
Dominie? '  replied  a  friendly  voice  ;  '  You  will  go  up  State  street,  pass 
the  English  stone  church,  which  stands  in  the  middle  of  that  street, 
and  as  you  go  up  the  hill,  turn  the  second  corner  to  the  right  ;  there 
lives  the  English  Dominie,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ellison,  in  a  newly  built 
white  house,  the  only  one  on  the  block  or  clay  bank.'  It  was  indeed 
just  so  ;  and  the  writer  mounted  the  plank  doorsteps,  and  with  a 
trembling  hand  knocked  at  the  door  of  the  rector  of  St.  Peter's,  Albany. 
'Is  this  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ellison.''  said  the  writer,  as  the  top  of  a  Dutch 
built  door  was  opened  by  a  portly  gentleman  in  black,  with  prominent 
and  piercing  eyes  and  powdered  hair.      '  My  name  is  Ellison,'  said   he. 


152  Saint   Peter's  Church 

'  and  I  crave  yours?'  Giving  his  name  the  writer  said,  '  I  have  come 
from  New  Hampshire,  the  place  of  my  nativity,  and  being  very  desirous 
of  becoming  a  candidate  for  holy  orders,  I  will  be  much  obliged  for 
your  advice.'  Mr.  Ellison  then  said  'God  bless  you;  walk  in.' 
This  was  a  crisis  of  unspeakable  importance  to  the  writer.  Verily  doth 
he  believe  that,  had  the  reception  now  given  him  been  otherwise  than 
that  of  marked  good  will  and  condescending  kindness,  the  whole  course 
of  the  writer's  life  would  have  been  changed.  A  rebuff  would  have 
turned  his  face  another  way."  ' 

Mr.  ElHson's  sympathy  for  the  young  student  was 
shown  in  a  very  practical  way.  He  procured  for  Mr. 
Chase  a  mastership  in  the  new  City  School,  with  what 
was  then  considered  a  good  salary,  four  hundred  dollars. 
He  also  suggested  that,  as  Mr.  Chase  had  read  service 
among  his  friends  in  New  Hampshire,  he  should  become 
lay  reader  in  the  new  and  thriving  village  of  Troy,  six 
miles  above  Albany,  where  there  was  a  little  company 
of  Church  people,  principally  from  Connecticut. 

The  rector  lent  him  manuscript  sermons,  gave  him 
the  use  of  a  large  and  well  chosen  theological  library 
and  for  two  years  superintended  his  studies  in  preparation 
for  the  holy  ministry.  Bishop  Chase  speaks  of  his 
friend  and  instructor  with  affectionate  warmth  but  with 
some  exaggeration  of  language.  It  seems  curious  that  he 
should  apply  to  one  only  thirty-six  years  old  the  epithet 
"  venerable." 

It  was  probably  Mr.  Ellison  who,  on  June  10,  1798, 
in  St.  Paul's  Chapel,  New  York  city,  presented  Phil- 
ander Chase  to  Bishop  Provoost  to  be  made  deacon. 
It  was,  undoubtedly,  on  his  recommendation  that  Mr. 
Chase  became  missionary  in  northern  New  York  under 

'  Bishop  Chase's  Reminiscences,  An  Autobiography,  (second  edi- 
tion: Comprising  the  history  of  the  principal  events  in  the  author's 
life  to  A.  D.  1847.  Two  Volumes,  Boston:  James  B.  Dow,  1847) 
Vol.  I.  pp.    19-20. 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  153 

the   Missionary   Society  of    the  diocese  to  succeed  the 
earnest  and  devoted  Robert  G.  Wetmore. 

In  1796  the  congregation  of  St.  Peter's  had  outgrown 
their  church  building.  The  rector  and  vestry  recognized 
that  a  new  edifice  was  an  absolute  necessity.  They  also 
were  aware  that  the  ground  upon  which  the  church  stood 
was  valuable,  and  should  not  be  allowed  to  pass  out  of 
their  hands  without  reasonable  compensation.  From  an 
abstract  of  the  negotiations  with  the  City  prepared  by  Mr. 
Ellison,  we  learn  that  on  Feb.  26,  1796,  "  The  vestry 
of  St.  Peter's  Church  resolved  to  build  a  new  church, 
the  present  one  being  too  small;  and  in  order  to  that, 
resolved  that  a  letter  be  sent  to  the  corporation  of  the 
City,  informing  them  of  that  determination  and  asking 
them  whether  they  meant  to  avail  themselves  of  that 
Right  of  Preemption  which  was  granted  at  their  Request, 
Sep.  20,  1790,  informing  them  besides  that  they  wished 
to  purchase  a  certain  Lot  of  Ground,  bounded  by  Bar- 
rack, Steuben,  Lodge  and  Pine  Streets,  and  that  if  the 
purchase  should  be  made,  they  would  make  payment, 
whenever  the  value  of  the  Lot  in  State  Street  should  be 
ascertained."  ^ 

The  reply  of  the  corporation  was  made  in  the  form 
of  a  report  from  a  special  committee  of  the  Common 
Council  consisting  of  H.  Woodruff,  Sanders  Lansing, 
John  V.  Henry,  Killian  K.  Van  Rensselaer,  under  date 
of  May  3d,  1796.  This  report,  says  Mr.  Ellison,  was 
laid  before  the  vestry  on  Aug.  23d.  The  comments  he 
makes  upon  it  show  acuteness  and  wisdom : 

"  In  this  report,  the  Committee  never  mention  whether  the  Lot 
ought  to  be  bought  by  them  or   not assert  that   an    imaginary 

'  Mr.  Ellison's  MS:  The  Landed  Estate  of  St.  Peter's  Church.  A 
copy  of  the  Letter  to  the  Corporation  will  be  found  in  the  appendix. 


154  Saint  Peter's  Church 

value  of  ^1,500  had  been  set  upon  the  Lot  in  State  Street  on  which 
St.  Peter's  stands,  and  state  that  it  would  be  expedient  in  the  Board  not 
to  avail  themselves  of  the  Right  of  purchasing  that  Lot,  because  if  the 
appraisers  should  set  so  high  a  value  as  ^1,500  upon  the  Ground,  the 
Board  cannot  consistently  with  their  existing  engagements,"  without  per- 
haps a  sacrifice  of  Property  pay  that  sum,  and  as  a  sufficient  Space  is  on 
each  side  of  the  Church  for  a  street,  the  advantage  gained  by  the 
removal  of  the  Church  would  be  too  dearly  bought  at  that  price. 

"They  suggest  at  the  same  time  that  the  Lot  which  the  Church 
wishes  to  purchase,  should  be  given  in  exchange  for  that  on  which  the 
Church  stands,  upon  condition,  that  the  Church  which  they  contemplate 
to  erect  shall  be  built  upon  it.  It  may  here  be  remarked  that  the 
imaginary  value  here  mentioned  was  imaginary  indeed.  It  was  not  for 
one  party  or  the  other,  or  any  but  the  appraisers  that  might  be  appointed 
to  talk  of  the  value  of  the  Lot.  This  imaginary  value,  as  it  was  called 
was  a  mere  Phantom,  which  like  an  Ignus  Fatuus  has  led  them  into  the 
very  difficulty  from  which  they  thought  they  were  steering.  They  have 
confessed  their  apprehensions  that  four  sworn  appraisers  would  value  the 
Lot  at  ^1,500,  whilst  they  would  be  willing  to  have  shown  that  it  was 
worth  little  or  nothing.  Without  considering  that  the  ground  covered  by 
the  Church  is  only  a  Part  of  the  Lot  which  the  Church  owns,  they 
feared  that  the  Part  will  be  rated  at  that  value, °  and  if  so  what  must  the 
whole  Lot  and  the  Cemetery,  90  feet  by  60  be  worth.'  If  there  be 
space  sufficient  for  a  street  on  each  side  of  the  Church,  will  there  be 
space  sufficient  should  the  whole  Lot  be  covered  by  a  new  Church  or 
other  buildings?  And  yet  this  Lot,  measuring  90  by  60,  of  which  a 
part  only,  measuring  about  53  by  37,  it  is  feared  will  be  valued  by  four 
sworn  appraisers  at  ^1,500,  is  to  be  demanded  for  what?  Why  for  a 
lot  in  a  corner  of  the  city  loaded  with  an  immense  depth  of  clay,  and  of 
very  inferior  value  —  and  yet  that  lot,  such  as  it  is,  is  to  be  thus  given 
in  exchange  only  upon  condition  that  it  be  applied  to  one  particular 
purpose."  ' 

'  The  Albany  Water  Works. 

'  Note  by  Mr.  Ellison :  They  knew  not  that  the  Church  owned  any 
more  ground  than  that  covered  by  the  building  which  is  about  53  by  37 
feet.  Now  if  that  part  of  the  ground  so  covered  would  be  estimated  at 
^"1,500  what  would  be  the  value  of  the  whole  90  by  60  feet  when  the 
street  would  be  almost  blocked  up. 

'  Mr.  Ellison's  MS.   nt:  Landed  Estate  of  St.  Peter's  Church. 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  155 

The  report  from  the  Common  Council  was  read  at  a 
vestry  meeting  on  August  23.  Although  its  terms 
were  unsatisfactory,  ''  The  Vestry,"  as  Mr.  Ellison 
says,  "  out  of  the  pure  principle  of  accommodation  made 
sacrifice  to  their  love  of  peace,  and  determined,  if  they 
could  to  accept  any  eligible  situation  in  exchange  for 
that  which  they  possess,  and  ordered  a  petition  to  be 
sent  to  the  Corporation  of  the  City  requesting  them  to 
make  the  exchange,  but  without  the  condition  recom- 
mended in  the  Report."  An  answer  to  this  second 
communication  came  in  the  form  of  a  suggestion  that 
the  condition  would  be  withdrawn,  provided  that  when 
the  present  Saint  Peter's  was  demolished  the  steeple  be 
left  standing.  Old  Albanians  may  remember  reading 
that  the  city  engine  house  stood  very  near  to  the  southern 
wall  of  St.  Peter's,  and  that  it  was  the  bell  from  its 
steeple  that  for  many  years  rang  the  alarm  for  fires. 
Upon  this  demand  Mr.  Ellison  thus  comments: 

"  It  is  to  be  remarked  that  the  steeple  cost  above  ;^5oo  when 
labour  and  materials  were  lower  by  fifty  pr  cent  than  at  present,  and 
that  the  very  same  Corporation  [the  very  moment  before  they  made]  ' 
their  demand  of  the  steeple,  exonerated  a  Lot  in  Pearl  St,  near  Fox's 
Kill  from  a  similar  restriction  which  had  been  conveyed  to  the  Dutch 
Church  not  for  a  recompense  of  which  part  only  was  ^  believed  to  be 
worth  ^1,500,  but  for  Nothing.  The  Vestry  were  not  ignorant  that 
this  was  not  the  only  favor  that  the  Corporation  of  the  City  had  granted 
to  the  Dutch  Church.  They  were  not  ignorant  that  a  Lot  had  been 
gratuitously  given  to  the  Presbyterian  Congregation,  tho'  not  without  a 
Restriction,  on  which  their  old  Church  had  been  erected  and  that  the 
Lot  on  which  their  new  Church  had  been  built  had  also  been  given  to 
them,  without  any  Restriction  or  Incumbrance  whatever,  except  a  doubt- 

'  The  phrase  in  brackets  originally  was  written  "  within  a  few  hours 
of  their  making,"  which  was  erased,  and  the  words  in  the  text  sub- 
stituted. 

'  A  word  erased. 


156  Saint  Peter's  Church 

ful  claim  which  was  relinquished  for  a  trifling  sum.  Nor  were  they 
ignorant  that  a  similar  favor  had  been  granted  to  the  Methodist  Congre- 
gation, and  had  been  promised  to  the  Roman  Catholics.  They  knew 
all  this  whilst  they  also  knew  and  reflected  with  pleasure  that  they  had 
never  been  laid  under  any  obligation  to  the  Corporation  of  the  City  by 
any  such  favor,  and  tho'  they  might  have  relinquished  the  Request  to 
exchange  on  equal  Terms,  and  have  looked  upon  the  answer  of  the  Cor- 
poration of  the  City  as  conclusive,  yet,  whilst  they  were  determined  no 
longer  to  be  trifled  with,  they  would  abide  by  their  last  proposal,  and 
accordingly  resolved:  That  they  were  still  ready  to  make  the  Exchange 
unconditionally,  provided  it  was  ratified  within  two  weeks,  otherwise  they 
would  abide  by  the  Covenant  or  Convention  of  Sep'r  21st,   1790."  ' 

More  than  a  year  before,  the  vestry  had  announced  to 
Trinity  Church,  New  York  city,  their  desire  to  build 
a  new  church,  if  a  grant  could  be  obtained  from  the 
mother  parish  of  the  diocese,  which  then  gave  liberally 
for  the  extension  of  the  Church  throughout  the  state. 
A  letter,  evidently  written  by  the  rector,  was  formally 
adopted  by  the  vestry  of  St.  Peter's  at  a  meeting  on 
June  15,  1795,  and  was  inserted  in  the  missing  volume 
of  vestry  minutes.  A  single  extract  from  it  is  in  print: 
"  Had  we  funds  in  any  respect  sufficient  for  our  present 
exigencies  we  should  apply  them  without  seeking  aid 
elsewhere,  but  as  our  little  property  which  we  have 
lately  obtained,  was  so  situated  that  not  one  tenth  of 
what  it  will  probably  be  worth  in  twelve  years  could  be 
got  for  the  immediate  sale  of  it,  we  have  leased  it  in 
small  lots  to  poor  persons  at  a  very  small  rent  for  twenty- 
one  years.  "^  After  the  insertion  of  the  letter  in  the 
minute  book,  Mr.  Ellison  added  this  memorandum: 
"  Mr.  Ellison  carried  down  this  letter,  and  in  person 

'  Mr.  Ellison's  MS.    The  Landed  Estate  of  St.  Peter's  Church. 
"  The  Answer  of  the  members  of  the  Congregation,  p.  7. 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  157 

spoke  to  each  of  the  members  of  Trinity  Church 
(Vestry).  The  yellow  fever  and  other  circumstances 
prevented  the  Vestry  of  Trinity  Church  from  giving  an 
answer  for  many  months."' 

It  was  at  the  same  vestry  meeting  on  February  26, 
1796,  when  negotiations  with  the  City  were  resumed,  that 
the  welcome  information  was  given  by  the  rector  that 
he  had  received  an  unofficial  communication  informing 
him  of  a  grant  of  _;^2,500  toward  the  building  of  a  new 
St.  Peter's,  from  the  corporation  of  Trinity  Church. 
The  vestry  was  duly  grateful,  and  asked  the  rector  to 
return  thanks  for  the  generous  gift  whenever  there 
should  be  sent  to  him  the  formal  documents  concerning 
it.^  On  August  23d,  Mr.  Ellison  told  the  vestry  that 
the  condition  of  the  grant  had  been  "  for  the  sole  and 
express  purpose  of  purchasing  lands  for  a  glebe."  The 
writer  of  "The  Answer"  intimates  that  Mr.  Ellison 
was  desirous  of  thus  increasing  his  own  income, 
and  only  yielded  to  the  pressure  of  the  members  of  the 
vestry,  when  he  wrote  to  Bishop  Provoost  asking  for  an 
alteration  in  the  terms  of  the  grant,  by  which  the  vestry 
could  "  dispose  of  the  said  sum  in  such  a  way  as  to  them 
might  appear  most  conducive  to  the  interest  of  the 
Church."  His  letter  produced  the  desired  change,  and 
he  announced  that  the  grant  had  been  made  for  building 
a  church  in  Albany  "with  a  proviso"  that  the  cor- 
poration of  the  church  appropriate  and  secure  real 
property  equal  in  value  to  that  sum,  for  the  support  of 
the  rector.  For  this  gratifying  result  the  vestry  sent 
thanks,  and  determined  that  the  proper  instruments 
should  be  drawn   by   the  rector  in  consultation  "  with 

'  The  Answer,  &c.,  p.  8. 

"  For  the  Extracts  in  full  from  the  Vestry  Minutes  see  appendix. 


158  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Mr.  Lush  or  any  other  lawyer"  to  secure  the  condition 
required  by  Trinity  Church.' 

The  refusal  of  the  City  Council  to  recede  from  their 
position,  and  the  firm  determination  of  the  rector  and 
vestry  that  no  unfair  advantage  should  be  taken  of  the 
parish,  ended  the  effort  at  this  time  to  reach  a  satisfac- 
tory conclusion.  The  building  of  the  new  church  was 
necessarily  deferred,  although,  undoubtedly,  subscrip- 
tions were  being  made  toward  the  building.  The 
donation  from  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  was  paid  in 
July,  1797,  by  the  assignment  of  certain  securities. 
These  were  probably  allowed  to  accumulate  in  the  hands 
of  that  corporation  until  needed.^ 

On  February  28,  1797,  the  rector  of  St.  Peter's  was 
honored  by  an  election  as  a  regent  of  the  University  of 
the  State  of  New  York,  "  in  the  room  of  the  Rev. 
Jonah  Coe,  resigned."^  He  filled  the  duties  of  his 
new  office  with  the  same  scrupulous  exactness  that  he 
gave  to  every  task  he  undertook.  He  was  appointed  on 
important  committees  of  visitation,  was  chosen  usually 
to  be  one  of  those  who  prepared  the  annual  report  to 
the  Legislature,  and,  among  his  earliest  efforts  as  a 
regent,  was  the  preparation,  with  Mr.  Gulian  Verplanck, 
of  a  seal  for  the  University. 

'  The  Answer,  p.  9. 

10th  July,   1797. 

^  Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  may  assign  Frederick  Rhinelander's  note 
for  ^2140  payable  25th  next  March,  for  the  use  ot  the  Episcopal 
Church  at  Albany,  as  part  of  the  donation  of  ^2500,  voted  by  this 
Board,  and  may  also  further  assign  to  them  other  securities  of  this  Cor- 
poration to  the  amount  of  ^360  in  discharge  ot  the  said  donation. 
—  MS.   Fes  try  Minutes  of  Trinity  Church,  New  y'ork. 

'  The  statement  of  the  text  is  taken  from  the  MS.  Book  of  Minutes 
of  the  Board  of  Regents.  The  University  Manual,  Albany,  1882,  says 
that  the  Rev.  Jonas  Coe  "  declined  the  office."      p.  200. 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  159 

The  Lutherans  had  always  maintained  friendly  rela- 
tions with  the  Church  of  England.  Their  children 
attended  English  schools,  and,  naturally,  went  to  the 
English  church,  and  their  parents  soon  followed  them. 
The  connection  between  the  Lutheran  congregation  in 
Albany  and  St.  Peter's  Church  had  been  more  than  a 
mere  interchange  of  courteous  greetings.  The  two  con- 
gregations had  shared  the  same  church  building,  and 
even,  according  to  a  statement  in  the  records  of  the 
Lutheran  church,  paid  the  salary  of  the  minister  in 
common.  Mr.  Ellison  perceived  the  tendency  of  the 
Lutherans  toward  the  Church,  and  with  his  promptness 
to  seize  opportunities,  held  many  conversations  with 
Lutheran  ministers  and  laymen.  He  saw  that  they 
were  willing  to  accept  the  doctrines  of  the  Church,  and 
knew  that,  by  their  inclusion  in  the  American  Church, 
the  greater  part  of  northern  New  York  would  be  filled 
with  comparatively  strong  parishes,  as  the  country  to 
the  north  and  west  of  Albany  was  largely  settled  by 
Germans. 

The  result  of  his  interviews  was  the  statement  made 
by  Dr.  Moore  at  the  convention  of  the  diocese  of 
New  York,  on  Oct.  5,  1797,  quoting  from  a  letter  of 
Mr.  Ellison:  "  That  some  Lutheran  clergymen  had  in 
the  name  and  on  behalf  of  the  Consistory  of  the 
Lutheran  Church  in  the  State  of  New  York,  intimated 
to  him  a  desire  to  have  it  proposed  to  this  Convention 
that  their  Church  might  be  united  with  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  this  State,  and  that  their  ministers 
might  receive  Episcopal  ordination."^  A  committee, 
the   Rev.    Dr.  Moore,  the   Rev.    Thomas   Ellison,  and 

'  Reprint  of  Journals,  p.  85;  also  Perry's  American  Episcopal  Church 
II,  pp.   150,  151. 


i6o  Saint  Peter's  Church 

the  Rev.  Ammi  Rogers,  was  appointed  "  to  meet  such 
gentlemen  of  the  Lutheran  Church  as  may  be  duly 
appointed  by  their  ecclesiastical  authority  to  confer 
with  them  on  the  subject."  The  only  contemporary 
account  that  we  have  besides  the  formal  record  in  the 
convention  journal  is  found  in  the  "  Memoirs  of 
Ammi  Rogers."*  Whether  the  proposed  committee 
meeting  ever  was  held  is  uncertain.  Dr.  Moore  in  a 
letter,  dealing  also  with  other  topics,  says : 

New  York,  Dec.  ii,  1797. 
"  Dear  Sir  : — I  have  been  expecting  for  some  days  past  a  letter  either 
from  you  or  from  Mr.  Ellison  respecting  the  business  of  the  Lutheran 
Church,  for  the  management  of  which  you  know  we  are  the  Committee 
appointed  by  the  Convention.  I  wish  you  would  attend  to  it  and  let 
me  know  the  result  of  your  deliberations.      *     *     *     ;(:  "  2 

Mr.  Rogers  in  his  reply  dated  "  Ballston,  December 
20,  1797,"  says:  "  As  to  the  business  of  the  Lutheran 
Church,  Mr.  Ellison  and  I  have  had  a  consultation  on 
the  subject,  and  are  calculating  to  see  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Quitman,  when  we  will   let  you  know  more  about  it.  "^ 

Whether  Mr.  Ellison  was  too  sanguine,  or  the 
Lutheran  clergy  were  unwilling  to  wait  for  the  slow 
action  of  a  conservative  convention,  which  owing  to  the 
prevalence  of  yellow  fever  did  not  hold  any  sessions  for 
three  years,  or  some  other  cause  intervened  to  cool  their 
ardor  for  the  Church,  can  only  be  conjectured.  Cer- 
tainly the  authorities  of  the  Lutheran  Church  in  the 
state  were  favorably  inclined  to  the  American  Church. 
When,  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year,  the  laymen  who  had 
organized  an  English  Lutheran  Church  in  the  city  of 

'  See  appendix. 

'  Memoirs  of  Ammi  Rogers,  p.  25. 

'  Ibid,  p.  26. 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  i6i 

New  York  sent  notice  of  their  action  to  the  EvangeHcal 
Ministerium,  which  met  at  Rhinebeck  in  September, 
that  body  resolved,  that  while  "  it  is  never  the  practice 
in  an  Evangelical  Consistory  to  sanction  any  kind  of 
schism,"  yet  if  the  children  could  not  or  did  not  wish 
to  attend  "the  German  School"  which  they  earnestly 
recommended,  yet  they  would  not  "  look  upon  persons 
who  are  not  yet  communicants  of  a  Lutheran  Church,  as 
apostates,  in  case  they  join  an  English  Episcopalian 
Church."  They  further  declare:  "That  on  account 
of  an  intimate  connection  subsisting  between  the  English 
Episcopal  Church  and  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  the 
identity  of  their  doctrine  and  near  alliance  to  their 
Church  discipline  —  this  Consistory  will  never  acknowl- 
edge a  new  erected  Lutheran  Church  merely  English,  in 
places  where  the  members  may  partake  of  the  services 
of  the  said  Episcopal  Church."^ 

During  the  next  five  years  we  have  few  documents  to  aid 
us  in  tracing  the  progress  of  the  parish.  In  1799 
another  attempt  was  made  to  induce  the  City  to  carry  out 
the  covenant  in  the  deed  of  September  21,  1790,  which 
Mr.  Ellison  says  was  inserted  at  the  request  of  the  City 
Corporation.  At  a  vestry  meeting  held  on  August  12, 
1799,  the  Treasurer,  Mr.  Daniel  Hale,  was  instructed 
to  write  to  the  Common  Council  on  the  matter.  At  a 
meeting  of  the  vestry  on  December  9,  1799,  the  church 
wardens,  Messrs.  John  Stevenson  and  Goldsbrow  Ban- 
yar,  with  Mr.  Hale  were  appointed  a  committee  "  to 
confer  with  any  Committee  that  may  be  appointed  by 
the  Corporation  of  the  City  in  consequence  of  the  letter 

'  pp.   5,  6  History  of  the  Church  of  Zion  and  St.  Timothy  of  New 
York.      1797 — 1894,    by    David    Clarkson.      Privately    printed.    New 
York  and  London.      G.  P.  Putnam's  Sons. 
11 


1 62  Saint  Peter's  Church 

ordered  to  be  written  by  the  Treasurer,  August  12, 
1799."  Eight  months  after,  at  a  meeting  held  on 
August  27,  1800,  the  vestry  with  grim  determination, 
resolved  that  the  Committee  "  resume  that  business  and 
take  proper  means  to  obtain  an  answer  to  that  letter, 
and  receive  proposals  for  cash,  obligations  payable  at  a 
future  day,  or  lands  at  an  equivalent  value."' 

On  December  15  the  City  Council  passed  a  series  of 
resolutions'"  which  evidently  were  submitted  by  Mr. 
Ellison  to  counsel  learned  in  the  law,  with  his  full  state- 
ment of  the  thirteen  years  of  negotiation  with  the  City. 
Finally,  on  January  14,  1801,  the  corporation  of 
Albany  gave  to  the  corporation  of  St.  Peter's  a  bond 
for  five  thousand  dollars,  conditioned  upon  the  carrying 
into  effect  the  award  of  the  four  arbitrators  who  were 
named  in  it,  as  to  the  value  of  the  land  upon  which  St. 
Peter's  stood.  The  City  had  chosen  the  Hon.  Jeremiah 
Van  Rensselaer  and  Judge  Egbert  Benson,  and  the 
vestry  Messrs.  Henry  I.  Bogart  and  John  V.  Henry. 
By  them  the  board  of  arbitration  was  completed  by  the 
selection  of  the  Hon.  Simeon  DeWitt,  surveyor  general 
of  the  State.  This  board,  with  due  deliberation, 
rendered  its  report  on  February  9,  iSoi.  It  declared 
that  they  "  do  fix,  certify,  and  award,  the  sum  of  two 
thousand  five  hundred  dollars  as  the  sum  to  be  paid  by 
the  Mayor,  alderman  and  commonalty  of  the  City  of 
Albany  above  mentioned,  as  the  value  of  the  lot  of 
ground  whereon  the  Episcopal  Church  now  standing  in 
State  Street  in  the  said  City  is  erected.""' 

'  Mr.  Ellison's  MS.  The  Landed  Estate  of  St.  Peter's.  For  Mr. 
Hale's  letter  see  appendix. 

^  For  a  certified  copy  of  the  Resolutions  see  appendix. 

^  MS.  Award  annexed  to  bond  of  the  City  in  archives  of  St.  Peter's. 
For  a  copy  see  appendix. 


Reorganization  of  the  Parish  163 

The  way  was  now  clear  for  the  parish  to  build  a  new 
church.  For  some  reason  which  does  not  appear,  there 
was  a  delay  of  nearly  a  year  before  making  a  contract. 
Possibly  there  were  further  dealings  with  the  City  con- 
cerning the  plot  of  ground  which  the  church  was  willing 
to  accept  as  an  equivalent  for  the  amount  awarded  for 
the  property  in  State  street. 

A  contract,  however,  was  signed  on  January  26, 
1802,  between  "  the  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the  City 
of  Albany,  &c.,"  and  Philip  Hooker,  Elisha  Putnam, 
Garrett  W.  Van  Schaick  and  Samuel  Hill.  The  party 
of  second  part  was  "  to  erect,  build  and  complete  a  stone 
Church  on  the  lot  of  ground  in  the  first  ward  of  the 
City  of  Albany  at  the  intersection  of  State  and  Lodge 
streets,  adjoining  to  the  rectory  house  and  lot  occupied 
by  the  Rev.  Thomas  Ellison,  according  to  the  plans 
annexed."  The  church  was  to  be  completed  "on  or 
before  the  15th  day  of  June  in  the  year  of  Our  Lord, 
1803."  The  material  of  the  old  church,  with  the 
exception  of  the  bell,  clock  and  other  movable  furniture, 
was  to  be  accepted  in  payment  of  twelve  hundred  and 
fifty  dollars.  The  contract  price  was  to  be  seventeen 
thousand  dollars. 

Mr.  Ellison  now  saw  his  work  crowned  with  success, 
but  his  eyes  never  beheld  the  church  completed  and 
ready  for  use.  Tradition  tells  of  his  sitting  on  the 
steop  of  the  rectory  house  when  too  feeble  to  walk  out, 
and  watching  the  excavations  being  made  for  the  founda- 
tions. He  had  been  for  several  weeks  dangerously  ill, 
and  instead  of  being  the  active  superintendent  of  the 
work  to  which  he  had  given  such  long  and  patient  care, 
he  could  only  advise  with  the  building  committee.  On 
Monday,  April  26,  1802,  in  the  forty-third  year  of  his 


164  Saint  Peter's  Church 

age  Thomas  Ellison  ended  his  earthly  life.  The  whole 
city  made  lamentation,  for  he  had  been  an  honored  and 
progressive  citizen  and  greatly  beloved. 

The  funeral  was  on  Wednesday,  April  28,  and  a 
contemporary  account  says  that  the  burial  was  in  the 
"  Episcopalian  Cemetery,  and  was  attended  by  a  large 
concourse  of  lamenting  friends."  Its  expenses  were 
met  by  a  subscription  among  the  members  of  the  parish. 
A  balance  being  found  on  hand  after  paying  all  bills, 
Mr.  George  Ramsay  was  requested  to  lay  it  out  in  wood 
for  a  poor  woman.  Over  the  grave  of  Mr.  Ellison 
there  was  erected  by  the  Hon.  Philip  S.  Van  Rensselaer 
a  marble  slab  with  an  elaborate  inscription.'  It  still 
occupies  a  conspicuous  position  in  St.  Peter's  lot  in  the 
Albany  Rural  Cemetery  to  which  it  was  transferred 
from  the  old  burying  ground.  This  is  the  sole 
memorial  of  one  whose  plans  for  the  permanent  benefit 
of  the  parish  were  wise  and  far-sighted,  who,  if  his  life 
had  been  spared,  undoubtedly  would  have  so  secured 
the  property  of  the  parish  that  it  could  not  have  been 
alienated.  Mr.  Ellison  was  the  only  rector  among  the 
sixteen  incumbents  of  St.  Peter's  who  died  in  office. 

'  See  appendix  for  a  copy  of  the  inscription. 


I 


CHAPTER  VIII 

BUILDING  OF  THE  SECOND  CHURCH  EDIFICE 

Demolition  of  die  first  St.  Peter's  church,  i  802. --Services  held  in 
the  Dutch  church,  1802-3. —  The  Rev.  Frederic  Beasley  called  as 
rector,  1802. —  A  committee  appointed  to  secure  funds,  1802. —  Com- 
pletion and  consecration  of  the  second  St.  Peter's,  1803. —  The  Dio- 
esan  Convention  and  ordination  of  the  Rev.  Davenport  Phelps,  1803. — 
Description  of  the  nevy  church. —  Mr.  Beasley's  activity  as  rector  and 
in  the  diocese. —  Sale  of  three  lots  on  State  Street,  1805. —  Measures 
to  meet  the  deficiency  of  income,  1 805-1 809. —  Resignation  of  Mr. 
Beasley,  i8og. 

THE  endeavor  of  the  vestry  to  find  a  suitable  suc- 
cessor to  Mr.  Ellison,  brought  to  Albany  several 
clergymen,  among  them  the  Rev.  Bethel  Judd,  who  in 
May,  1802,  became  the  rector  of  Christ  Church,  Hud- 
son, the  Rev.  Frederick  Van  Home  from  Ballston, 
and  the  Rev.  Frederick  Beasley,  of  Elizabeth  Town, 
N.  J.  At  its  meeting  on  September  29,  1802,  the 
vestry  "  Resolved,  That  a  call  be  presented  to  the  Rev'd 
Mr.  Beasley  of  Elizabeth  Town,  State  of  New  Jersey, 
with  a  salary  of  one  thousand  dollars  per  annum  and 
the  use  of  the  Parsonage  House,  that  this  vestry  will  be 
answerable  for  the  payment  thereof,  and  that  informa- 
tion of  the  same  be  immediately  given  to  the  Rev'd 
Mr.  Beasley,  by  a  letter  signed  by  the  two  church 
wardens."  ^  It  was  also  resolved  that  the  call  be  made 
out  without  delay,  and  after  being  duly  signed  be  "  pre- 
sented to  Mr.  Beasley  by  Mr.  Hale  who  expects 
shortly  to  set  out  for  New  York." 

'  MS.  Vestry  Minutes. 


1 66  Saint  Peter's  Church 

In  the  formal  letter  of  the  wardens  they  inform  Mr. 
Beasley  of  the  terms  of  the  call,  and  say  that  they  did 
not  expect  him  to  assume  the  rectorship  immediately, 
"  as  the  church  now  erecting  will  not  be  completed 
until  the  ensuing  Spring,  and  as  the  former  church  is 
demolished."  Mr.  Beasley  accepted  the  call  in  a 
letter  dated  Albany,  Nov.   15,  1802.^ 

The  entries  in  the  treasurer's  book  show  that  only  a 
few  services  were  held  while  the  new  church  was  build- 
ing, and  the  members  of  the  parish  were  waiting 
for  the  arrival  of  the  rector-elect.  With  prompt  and 
thoughtful  courtesy  an  offer  was  made  to  the  vestry  by 
the  consistory  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch 
church,  through  its  senior  minister,  the  Rev.  John 
Bassett,  "of  one  of  the  Dutch  Churches  in  the  City 
for  the  performance  of  Divine  service  by  an  Episcopal 
clergyman  when  it  shall  be  required  by  this  vestry,  and 
when  either  of  the  said  Churches  shall  be  vacant."  A 
similar  offer  was  made  through  the  Rev.  Eliphalet 
Nott,  the  pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  afterward 
president  of  Union  College,  from  the  session  of  his 
church.  To  each  corporation  a  fraternal  response  was 
given. '^  Whatever  services  were  held,  were,  according 
to  the  records,  in  one  of  the  Dutch  churches.  The 
exact  date  of  the  last  service  in  the  old  church  cannot  be 
definitely  known.  Mr.  Stevenson,  the  senior  warden, 
states  in  his  family  record  that  "  In  the  beginning  of 
July,  1802,  the  workmen  began  to  take  down  St.  Peter's 
Church  in  this  City." 

Under  date  of  October  5,  1802,  the  treasurer  entered 
this  item  "  Paid  laying  the  corner  stone  of  the  Church, 

'  For  the  text  of  these  letters  see  appendix. 
''  For  action  of  the  vestry  see  appendix. 


Building  of  the  Second  Church  Edifice         167 

$4."  The  only  contemporary  account  of  this  service  is 
found  in  an  entry  made  by  the  Hon.  John  Stevenson 
on  a  fly  leaf  of  his  family  Bible:  "  City  of  Albany, 
State  of  New  York,  7  May,  1802.  John  Stevenson  as 
church  warden,  laid  the  north-east  cornerstone  of  the 
new  Episcopal  Church  to  be  built  on  the  southeast  cor- 
ner of  the  Ground  belonging  to  the  Episcopal  Church 
of  this  place,  called  St.  Peter's  Church,  which  is  the 
name  of  the  new  Church."  ' 

When  the  first  St.  Peter's  was  torn  down,  the  bodies 
of  all  those  buried  within  the  church  were  carefully 
removed  and  re-interred  under  the  tower  of  the  second 
building.  Among  them  were  the  remains  of  the  gallant 
Lord  Howe,  who  fell  at  Trout  Brook,  July  6,  1758,  in 
the  campaign  against  the  French.^  A  payment  of 
seventeen  dollars  and  a  half  ($17.50),  was  made  to 
Adam  Todd,  the  sexton,  "  for  raising,  removing,  and 
interring,  the  remains  of  35  persons  from  the  interior  of 
the  old  Church  in  State  Street  when  demolished  to  the 
new  Church  now  building." 

In  August,  1802,  when  the  new  church  was  partially 
completed,  the  building  fund  was  so  nearly  exhausted 
that  the  vestry  appointed  Messrs.  Goldsbrow  Banyar, 
Philip  S.  Van  Rensselaer,  Daniel  Hale,  and  Dudley 
Walsh,  a  committee  to  borrow  from  time  to  time,  on 
their  individual  responsibility,  such  sums  as  might  be 
necessary  for  the  proper  completion  of  the  church. 
The  vestry  pledged  all  the  church  land  as  security. 
Whatever  amount  was  borrowed  was  to  be  only  upon  a 

'  MS.  entry  in  the  Stevenson  Family  Bible  now  in  the  possession  of 
Mrs.  Augustus  H.  Walsh,  a  member  of  St.  Peter's,  where  her  ances- 
tors have  worshipped  for  more  than  a  century  and  a  half. 

'  See  appendix.      The  Burial  Place  of  Lord  Howe. 


1 68  Saint  Peter's  Church 

formal  resolution  of  the  vestry.  At  the  same  meeting 
this  inscription  for  the  marble  slab  to  be  placed  above 
the  pediment  of  the  main  entrance  was  authorized: 

"  Give  glory  to  the  Lord,  for  he  is  good, 

for  his  mercy  endureth  forever." 

SAINT  PETER'S  CHURCH 

Formerly  standing   in  the  centre  of   State   Street  where 

intersected  by  Barrack   Street.      Built  An.  Dom.   17 15, 

and  incorporated  An.  Dom.   1769,  was  demolished  and 

This  edifice  erected 

Anno  Dom.  MDCCCII. 

Thomas  Ellison,  Rector. 
John  Stevenson 
Goldsbrow  Banyar 

Church  Wardens. 
Consecrated 
P.  Hooker,   Arch.  '" 

Every  detail  of  the  work  was  carefully  watched  by 
the  vestry  and  several  resolutions  concerning  it  are  on 
record.  At  one  time  "  the  side  ceilings  over  the  gal- 
leries "  were  ordered  to  be  finished  "  square  instead  of 
arched."  This  resolution  however  was  rescinded.  The 
slate  for  the  roof  of  the  church,  not  being  as  the  minutes 
state,  "  in  colour,  dimensions  and  appearance"  accord- 
ing to  contract,  was  rejected.  In  January,  1803,  the 
church  was  evidently  nearing  completion,  for  a  special 
contract  was  made  with  Hooker  &  Putnam  for  finish- 
ing the  gallery  pews  at  a  cost  of  three  hundred  and 
seventy-two  dollars.  The  treasurer  was  at  the  same 
time  authorized  "  to   employ  one   or  more  labourers  to 

'  See  appendix. 


The  Second  St.  Peter's  Church 
Built  /is 02 


.- ay^gy^ 


if.S 


the  V 


iiii  eiUi", 


John  Sr 
Go: 


•^-^-  .i  f  '  f  ? 


J^,^^^ 


i 


Building  of  the  Second  Church  Edifice         169 

dig  and  loosen  the  earth  about  the  Church,  provided 
the  carmen  will  cart  away  the  same  without  pay,  and 
that  they  enter  upon  the  work  immediately."  The 
first  entry  concerning  the  music  of  the  Church  is  on 
January  23,  1803.  "Mr.  Isaac  Fryer,  the  clerk,  having 
presented  an  anthem  proper  to  be  sung  at  the  consecra- 
tion of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Resolved,  that  Mr.  Fryer  be 
requested  to  have  the  said  anthem  practiced  in  season, 
and  performed  under  his  direction  at  the  period  of  con- 
secrating said  Church." 

The  growth  of  the  city  compelled  the  parish  to 
lower  the  foundation  of  the  parsonage  house,  "as  many 
feet  as  will  best  suit  the  ^present  level  established  by 
the  Corporation  of  this  City."  For  this  purpose  a 
contract  was  authorized  to  be  made  by  Messrs.  Van 
Rensselaer,  Ramsav  and  Hill,  "with  Mr.  Hooker  or 
with  any  other  proper  person,  for  lowering  the  same  to 
a  proper  depth,  building  up  the  foundation  walls,  coin- 
pleating  the  ceilings  in  any  necessary  part,  and  making 
the  House  proper  for  the  residence  of  the  Rector,  and 
to  lay  the  same  before  this  Board."  An  act  of  courtesy 
rare  in  those  days  was  the  direction  to  pay  the  traveling 
expenses  of  the  rector  when  he  visited  the  city,  and 
also  the  expenses  incurred  by  himself  and  his  family  in 
removing  to  Albany. 

Before  making  large  demands  upon  the  credit  of  the 
committee  appointed  in  August,  1802,  the  vestry 
determined  to  ask  from  the  corporation  of  Trinity 
Church,  New  York,  a  further  loan  of  one  thousand 
pounds,  at  that  time  equal  to  twenty-five  hundred 
dollars.  The  letter  soliciting;  this  aid  was  to  be  written 
by  the  treasurer,  Mr.  Daniel  Hale,  and  was  to  detail 
"the   progress   and   present   state   of    the   Church   now 


1 70  Saint  Peter's  Church 

erecting  in  this  city."  The  vestry  also  instructed  Mr. 
Hale  to  say  "that  security  would  be  given  to  the 
Trinity  Corporation  on  the  lands  belonging  to  this 
corporation,  that  the  annual  interest  thereof  will  be 
paid  to  the  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church  included  in 
such  annual  salary  as  shall  be  allowed  him."  So  con- 
fident were  the  vestry  that  the  sum  asked  for  would  be 
granted,  that  at  the  next  meeting  the  committee  was 
ordered  to  take  up  a  note  for  fifteen  hundred  dollars  at 
the  Bank  of  Albany,  and  make  a  new  one  for  three 
thousand  dollars,  in  order  that  the  promised  payment 
to  Hooker  and  Putman  might  be  made  and  also  the 
expense  of  work  upon  the  parsonage  be  promptly  met. 

Mr.  Hale's  draft  of  a  letter  to  Bishop  Moore,  the 
rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  was  at  this  time 
read,  approved  and  ordered  to  be  "signed  by  the  church 
wardens  and  sent  to  the  Bishop." 

It  contains  a  full  and  precise  statement  of  what  had 
been  attempted  and  done  by  the  vestry  of  St.  Peter's 
in  the  building  of  the  church.  It  speaks  of  the  increas- 
ing value  of  the  church  lands,  mentions  the  calling  of 
Mr.  Beasley,  and  contrasts  the  condition  of  the  parish 
when  Mr.  Ellison  assumed  the  rectorship  and  at  the 
time  of  writing.  It  asks  for  the  aid  in  confidence 
"that  their  favours  are  not  bestowed  unworthily,  but, 
on  the  contrary,  that  they  are  affording  a  necessary 
assistance  to  a  Society  of  their  Brethren  who  evince 
every  disposition  to  turn  such  assistance  to  a  profitable 
account."  The  description  of  the  church  in  the  letter 
is  of  value,  as  the  only  contemporary  account,  and  was 
probably  given  to  Mr.  Hale  by  the  architect. 

"The  Church,  which  promises  to  be  strong  and  dura- 
ble,   is    built    of    rough  stone,    to  be   finished    on    the 


Building  of  the  Second  Church  Edifice         171 

exterior  with  a  rough  cast  of  proper  cement,  and  situ- 
ated on  the  north  side  of  State  street  at  the  intersection 
with  Lodge  street.  The  walls  are  two  feet  six  inches 
in  thickness,  sixty-two  feet  wide  on  State  street  and 
ninety  feet  long  on  Lodge  street,  ornamented  with  free- 
stone in  a  manner  to  render  it  neat  and  respectable,  and 
covered  with  the  best  Welsh  slate.  The  interior  of  the 
Building  is  fifty-seven  feet  wide,  and  seventy-two  feet 
long  in  the  clear,  the  tower  projecting  six  feet  in  front 
on  State  street  and  forms  a  base  of  twenty-two  feet 
square.  The  whole  is  contracted  to  be  finished  with 
pews.  Galleries  on  their  sides.  Pulpit,  reading  desk, 
clerk's  desk,  Communion  Table,  Font,  etc.,  in  a  com- 
plete and  workmanlike  manner,  with  materials  of  the 
best  by  the  15th  June  next."  Of  the  cost,  Mr.  Hale 
says  the  contract  price  was  to  be  seventeen  thousand 
dollars,  and  the  galleries  "to  be  'pued'  within  the  same 
time  for  $372."  "There  will  then  remain  to  be  done, 
to   render  the  whole  undertaking  compleat,  as  follows: 

To  lower  the  adjoining  parsonage  house 
and  fit  it  up  for  the  reception  of  the 
Rector,  ^750.00 

A  neat  steeple  to  consist  of  five  sec- 
tions,   rising    seventy    feet    in     height,     3,088.00 

The  ground  taking  down  and  levelled  on 
both  streets,  and  round  the  church,  a 
stone  wall  on  the  west  to  support  the  ele- 
vated ground,  and  paving  both   streets,     1,000.00 

Whole  expense,  $22,210.00 


1 72  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The  state  of  our  payments  and  funds  generally,  are 
as  follows: 

In  addition  to  the  sum  originally  granted 
by  the  Vestry  of  Trinity,  the  Interest 
having  been  annually  expended  for 
necessary  Church  purposes,  16,250.00 

We  have  collected  by  subscription  and 
raised  among  ourselves,  without  dispos- 
ing of  any  of  the  Church  lots  and  in- 
cluding the  avails  of  the  old    Church,  6,513.00 

We  calculate  to   raise   by   sale   of  Pews,  3,000.00 

There  will  then  be  a  deficiency  to  be  made 

up  by  us  to  complete  the  first  contract,of  1,509.00'" 


The  reply  of  the  vestry  of  Trinity  Church  to  this 
appeal  is  not  recorded.  Mr.  Clowes  in  "The  Answer 
of  the  Congregation"  says:  "This  petition,  with  all 
its  imperfections  on  its  head,  we  are  told^  was 
sent  to  the  vestry  of  Trinity  Church.  And  we  are 
told  also  (though  nothing  of  this  kind  appears  in  the 
minutes  of  the  Church)  that  the  Vestry  of  Trinity 
•  Church  answered  by  declaring  themselves  unable  (very 
probable)  to  make  any  further  grant,  but  authorised  a 
sale  of  any  of  the  lots  by  relinquishing  all  claim  to 
them  under  the  aforementioned  obligation."^ 


'  The  full  text  of  Mr.  Hale's  draft  will  be  found  in  the  appendix. 
Mr.  Clowes  here  refers  to  the  "  Pamphlet"  of  Lt.  Gov.  Tayler  and 
others,  which  will  be  duly  noticed  in  its  proper  place. 

'  The  Answer  of  the  Congregation,  etc. 

°  p.  25- 


Building  of  the  Second  Church  Edifice        173 

This  probably  was  the  reason  for  the  action  of  the 
vestry  on  June  6,  1803,  when  the  committee  to  obtain 
loans  were  authorized  "to  have  a  proper  mortgage 
drawn  for  the  purpose  of  securing  to  them  of  such  sum 
or  sums  of  money  as  may  be  obtained  by  them  pur- 
suant to  a  resolution  of  this  Board  of  the  17  August 
last,  that  the  said  mortgage  contain  a  security  on  three 
Lotts  of  ground  containing  thirty  feet  each  on  State 
street  situated  between  Saint  Peter's  Church  and  the 
Jail  fence,  that  the  mortgage  shall  contain  full  authority 
to  the  parties  to  make  sale  of  said  three  lots  at  public 
auction,  further  that  the  seal  of  this  Corporation  be 
thereunto  affixed,  and  that  the  proceeds  thereoff, 
together  with  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  of  the  pews  of  the 
Church  be  especially  appropriated  for  the  aforesaid 
purpose." 

Mr.  Beasley  assumed  his  duties  as  rector  during  the 
summer  of  1803,  and  was  able  by  his  good  advice  to 
aid  the  vestry  in  the  final  stages  of  the  building  of  the 
church.  A  resolution  was  passed  by  the  vestry  "  that 
Mr.  Hooker  be  requested  to  remove  the  Parsonage 
House,  so  far  back  on  the  Lott  as  to  range  the  rear  of 
the  House  in  a  direct  line  with  the  West  Side  of  Saint 
Peter's  Church,  to  have  the  ground  removed  so  far  as 
may  be  necessary  and  to  have  the  whole  completed  with 
all  possible  expedition  and  without  fail  previous  to  the 
last  of  July."  As  Mr.  Beasley  was  married  in  August, 
he  undoubtedly  took  up  his  residence  in  the  parsonage 
soon  after.  There  is  no  record  of  his  presence  at  a 
vestry  meeting  until  August  7,  1804.  He  presided 
at  the  election  on  Easter  Tuesday,  April  13,  1804, 
and  signed  the  official  record.  During  the  summer  of 
1803  active  preparations  were  made  for  the  consecration 


174  Saint  Peter's  Church 

of  the  church,  and  the  wardens  had  the  great   satisfac- 
tion of  sending  this  letter  to  Bishop  Moore: 

"Albany  5th  Aug",  1803. 
Right  Reverend  Sir: — 

The  Episcopal   Church  erected  in  this   City  will   be 
completed  and  in  order  for  consecration  by  the   middle 
of    September    ensuing.       The    vestry    will    be    much 
obliged  for   your  attendance  for   that  purpose,  as  soon 
after  that  period  as  your  other  avocations  will  admit. 
We  are  with  much  respect,  Right 
Rev'd  Sir,  Your  most  ob't  servants, 
John  Stevenson 
Gold'w  Banyer 

Church  Wardens. 
To  the  Right  Rev'''  Bishop  Moore, 
New  York." 
Bishop  Moore's  reply  was  soon  received  and  is  pre- 
served in  the  archives  of  the  parish. 

"New  York,  August  18,  1803. 
Gentlemen: — 

By  your  letter  which  came  to  hand  a  few  days  ago,  I 
received  the  pleasing  intelligence  that  your  Church  will 
be  ready  for  consecration  by  the  middle  of  September. 
As  it  is  determined  to  call  our  Annual  Convention  in 
your  city,  I  shall  defer  the  Consecration  until  the  time 
of  meeting  which  is  Tuesday  the  4th  day  of  October. 
A  number  of  the  clergy  and  laity  attending  from  different 
parts  of  the  State  will  increase  the  solemnity  of  the 
occasion. 

With  great  respect,  I  remain  Gentle- 
men, your  faithful  friend  &  ser't 
Benj'n  Moore." 


Building  of  the  Second  Church  Edifice        i  75 

This  was  followed  by  the  formal  notice  from  Mr. 
Hobart  of  the  meeting  of  the  convention  and  date  of 
the  consecration : 

"New  York,  Aug.  26,  1803. 
The  Vestry  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Albany  : 

Gentlemen. —  The  Annual  Convention  of  the  Pro.  Epis.  Church  in 
this  State  vvill  be  held  on  the  Teusday  October  next,  being 

Teusday,  Oct.  4  :  in  the  City  of  Albany.  The  Bishop  purposes  to 
consecrate  the  Church  at  Hudson  on  Sunday  Oct.  2,  &  the  Church  at 
Albany  on  Teusday,  Oct.  4. 

J.  H.  Hobart,  Sec'y 

of  the  Convention." 

A  committee  of  the  vestry,  Messrs.  Daniel  Hale, 
Samuel  Hill  and  William  Fryer,  which  had  been 
appointed  at  a  meeting  of  which  there  is  no  record, 
reported  on  September  26,  1803,  an  elaborate  plan  for 
the  conditions  of  the  sale  of  the  pews  and  the  rents 
which  should  be  reserved  upon  them. 

The  body  of  the  church  had  ninety-two  pews  and 
was  divided  into  three  aisles.  At  each  side  of  the 
chancel,  which  occupied  the  north  end  of  the  church, 
and  was  arranged  after  the  custom  of  the  day,  were 
three  pews.  Galleries  were  built  over  the  side  aisles, 
supported  on  either  side  by  three  large  pillars.  There 
were  in  all,  forty-six  gallery  pews.  The  committee 
suggested  that  four  desirable  pews  in  the  body  of  the 
church  and  six  in  the  gallery  should  be  exempt  from 
the  sale.  For  the  choicest  pews  the  lowest  selling  price 
ranged  from  one  hundred  dollars  to  eighty  dollars,  and 
the  rent  reserved  on  them  was  eight  dollars  each.  For 
the  other  pews  the  selling  price  was  from  sixty  to 
twenty  dollars,  and  the  rents  were  to  be  from  six  dollars 
to  three  dollars  each.      Two  long  pews  on  the  west  of 


176  Saint  Peter's  Church 

the  gallery,  a  bench  in  the  rear,  and  a  long  bench  to  be 
erected  between  the  gallery  doors  were  "  to  be  set  apart 
for  the  Black  People."  A  square  pew  on  the  west 
side  of  the  chancel  was  appropriated  "  to  the  Governor 
of  the  State  for  the  time  being,"  and  a  similar  one  on 
the  east  side  "  for  the  City  Corporation  and  respectable 
strangers."  Seats  were  to  be  provided  in  the  gallery 
for  "  common  strangers."  The  vestry  approved  the 
report,  and  appointed  Mr.  Hill  and  Mr.  Walsh  a  com- 
mittee "  to  attend  the  sale  of  pews  on  Monday  next  and 
that  in  case  of  their  bidding  for  and  purchasing  any 
pews,  that  the  same  be  on  account  of  this  vestry,  except 
the  pews  they  may  purchase  for  their  own  use." 

The  treasurer's  book  shows  that  the  account  of  sales 
was  kept  open  until  September  i,  1804,  when  the 
receipts  were  fifty-four  hundred  and  sixty-five  dollars. 
It  is  evident  that  nearly  all  the  pews  were  rented,  as  the 
annual  income  from  them  after  1804  averaged  four 
hundred  and  sixty-five  dollars. 

On  the  day  of  the  pew  sale  many  of  the  members  of 
the  Diocesan  Convention  arrived  and  were  welcomed 
by  Mr.  Beasley  to  the  hospitality  of  the  people  of  St. 
Peter's.  The  mild  and  apostolic  Bishop,  Dr.  Moore, 
the  young  Secretary,  Mr.  Hobart,  Dr.  Wilkins  of 
Westchester,  Dr.  Joseph  Pilmore  of  Christ  Church, 
New  York,  Philander  Chase  of  Poughkeepsie,  Bethel 
Judd  of  Hudson,  Dr.  Harris,  President  of  Columbia 
College,  "  Father  Nash,"  the  founder  of  the  Church  in 
the  "  Western  Country,"  and  the  energetic  missionary, 
Davenport  Phelps  who  at  this  time  was  to  receive  the 
order  of  priesthood,  were  among  those  who  came  to 
Albany  to  keep  festival,  and  congratulate  the  rector  and 
people  of  St.  Peter's  upon  the  happy  consummation  of 


Interior  of  the  Second  St.  Peter's,  iSo^ 


Building  of  the  Second  Church  Edifice        177 

their  hopes  in  the  erection  of  a  church  which  far  sur- 
passed any  other  outside  the  city  of  New  York.  The 
journal  of  the  convention  gives  no  detail  of  the  services 
and  mentions  only  the  fact  of  the  consecration.  In 
The  Albany  Gazette '  there  is  this  brief  notice : 

"  The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  State  of  New  York  met  in  this  place  on  Tuesday 
last.  On  the  same  day,  the  Church  lately  erected  in 
this  city  was  consecrated  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Moore  in  the  presence  of  a  large  concourse  of  people, 
who  appeared  to  be  impressed  with  the  solemnity  of 
that  sacred  ordinance.  A  discourse  adapted  to  the 
occasion  was  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hobart,  one 
of  the  associate  clergy  of  the  city  of  New  York.  In 
the  afternoon  the  Convention  was  opened  by  a  discourse 
delivered  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wilkins.  On  Wednesday, 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Beasley  was  inducted  to  this  parish,  and 
an  appropriate  sermon  pronounced  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Harris.  After  the  induction,  a  number  of  persons 
received  the  rite  of  confirmation.  Last  evening,  having 
gone  through  the  business  of  the  Church,  the  Conven- 
tion was  adjourned  after  a  short  address  from  the  Rt. 
Rev.  Bishop  Moore.  The  clergy  still  however,  are  in 
the  city  for  the  purpose  of  attending  the  ordination  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Phelps  which  is  to  take  place  this 
morning." 

Thus  closed  a  series  of  services  which  were  the  most 
memorable  that  had  ever  been  held  in  St.  Peter's.  It 
was  the  first  of  many  similar  gatherings  in  the  ancient 
parish.  Mr.  Fryer's  anthem  is  not  mentioned.  Proba- 
bly it  was  duly  sung  and  admired.      In  those  days  the 

'  Albany,  Thursday,  October  6,  1803. 
12 


178  Saint  Peter's  Church 

musical  portion  of  the  service  was  very  meagre;  a  psalm 
in  metre,  often  a  duet  between  the  clerk  and  choir, 
possibly  one  of  the  twenty  hymns  then  bound  up  with 
the  Prayer  Book,  was  all.  Special  musical  services  were 
unknown,  organs  were  few,  and  choirs  still  used  pitch 
pipes  and  bass  viols.  Dr.  Wm.  Smith,  of  Connecticut, 
who  showed  to  the  American  Church  the  solemnity  and 
beauty  of  the  chant,  and  some  of  the  treasures  of 
English  hymnology,  had  not  then  begun  his  work  of 
educating  the  people  to  an  appreciation  of  good  eccle- 
siastical music.  It  need  then  excite  little  surprise  that 
Mr.  Fryer's  anthem  passed  unnoted.  An  interesting 
item  is  found  in  the  treasurer's  book,  showing  that 
the  congregations  who  gathered  in  the  new  St.  Peter's 
were  fairly  liberal:  "Oct'r  8,  Ditto^  for  collections, 
consecration  week,  ^53.63." 

After  the  consecration  there  was  a  large  increase  of 
energy  and  enthusiasm  on  the  part  of  the  people.  They 
found  in  Mr.  Beasley  a  pastor  who  to  the  vigor  of  youth 
added  devotion,  prudence  and  ability.  The  record  of 
baptisms  and  confirmations  and  the  communicant  list 
indicate  his  faithfulness.  A  venerable  man,  remem- 
bered by  the  older  portion  of  the  parish,  Dr.  Philip 
Ten  Eyck,  recollected  Mr.  Beasley  as  "a  man  of  medium 
size,  well  liked  by  the  people,  a  good  reader  and  a 
smooth  preacher.'"'^  Under  him  the  parish  had  a  quiet, 
healthy  and  permanent  growth.  The  only  anxiety 
seems  to  have  been  to  make  the  income  from  the  prop- 
erty  and   the   small   pew   rents   cover  the  expenditures. 

'  "Received"  is  written  for  the  first  item  on  the  page,  all  others 
are  "  ditto." 

^  From  '•  Notes  of  a  Conversation  with  Dr.  Ten  Eyck  "  by  the 
writer,  in  December,  1883. 


Building  of  the  Second  Church  Edifice        179 

The  cost  of  building  the  church  and  the  renovation  of 
the  parsonage  had  largely  exceeded  the  estimates. 

The  authorization  of  a  sale  of  the  three  lots  on  State 
street  "  between  St.  Peter's  Church  and  the  Jail  fence  " 
made  in  June,  1803,  was  carried  into  effect  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1805,  and  reported  to  the  vestry  at  its  meeting 
on  August  22d.  The  amount  received  was  forty-seven 
hundred  dollars.^  This  partially  relieved  the  pressure 
of  debt  upon  the  corporation.  At  the  same  meeting, 
Mr.  Samuel  Hill,  as  treasurer  of  the  building  com- 
mittee, rendered  his  account  of  "  all  the  expenditures  of 
erecting  the  new  Church,  setting  down  and  repairing  the 
Parsonage  House,  cutting  down  and  carting  away  the 
clay,  &c.,  &c.,  as  pr.  account,  amounting  in  the  whole 
to  $26,816  for  Receipts,  and  to  $26,767.31  for  expen- 
ditures, leaving  a  balance  of  $48.69  in  his  hands." 
This  account  was  referred  to  Messrs.  Fryer  and  Brown 
for  examination  and  report.  Their  report  was  rendered 
on  May  15,  1806,  in  which  they  say  "  that  they  have 
carefully  examined  the  accounts  and  vouchers,  and  com- 
pared them  with  the  Book  and  find  them  correct." 

In  the  rapid  growth  of  the  city  the  plot  granted  in 
1790  for  a  burial  ground,  was  found  to  be  a  menace  to 
health,  and  a  series  of  resolutions  was  passed  at  a  meet- 
ing of  the  Common  Council  on  July  21,  1800,  enlarg- 
ing upon  the  advantage  to  all  the  people  if  the  ground 
shall  be  laid  out  in  building  lots.  The  fee  of  the 
cemeteries  then  in  use  was  promised  to  the  various 
congregations  on  condition  that  they  should  not  allow 
any  burials  in  them  after  November  i,  1800,  and  that 
all  the   bodies   should   be   removed   from   them    before 

'  See  appendix. 


i8o  Saint  Peter's  Church 

December  i,  1803.  A  modification  of  the  terms  on 
which  the  new  cemeteries  were  to  be  granted  was  made 
on  December  4,  1800,  by  which  the  time  for  removals 
was  extended  to  the  Spring  of  1808.  The  ground  for 
this  purpose  was  "  near  the  house  of  John  Thornton," 
and  was  supposed  to  be  far  enough  from  the  city  to  be 
used  for  many  years.  It  was  to  be  surveyed  by  the  city 
superintendent,  "as  early  in  the  ensuing  Spring  as  prac- 
ticable." The  vestry  of  St.  Peter's  had  on  June  25, 
1800,  accepted  "  the  general  terms  proposed  by  the 
Corporation  of  this  city  in  the  said  resolution,  trusting 
that  the  necessary  particular  terms  will  be  hereafter 
harmoniously  adjusted  by  the  said  Corporation  with 
the  ecclesiastical  Corporations  who  may  agree  to  their 
proposition    expressed    in    that    resolution." 

At  the  meeting  of  the  vestry  in  June,  1805, 
the  consideration  of  the  subject  was  resumed,  and  a 
long  series  of  resolutions  adopted,  after  "  serious  con- 
sideration, with  all  the  particular  attendant  circum- 
stances." After  declaring  that  a  non-compliance  with 
any  one  of  the  conditions  "can  involve  no  further  con- 
sequence than  a  suspension  of  the  claim  of  this  vestry 
to  the  fee  of  the  Cemetery  first  granted,"  they  proceed 
to  say  that  "the  stipulation  to  cause  every  body  interred 
in  the  Cemetery  first  granted  to  be  removed  to  the  new 
Cemetery  in  order  that  the  former  be  laid  out  in  build- 
ing lots,  with  a  view  to  the  embellishment  of  this  City 
is  utterly  impracticable."  The  people  of  the  parish 
were  reluctant  to  have  their  relatives  there  interred 
removed,  for  it  was  "  harrowing  to  their  feelings  and  a 
proceeding  required  by  no  circumstance  of  imperious 
necessity."  To  interfere,  as  had  been  done,  with 
burials  in  the  old  cemetery  would,  say  the  vestry,  be 


Buildinff  of  the  Second  Church  Edifice        i8i 


■to 


"  eflFectually  destructive  to  the  solemnity  of  the  funeral 
rite  and  ceremony,  which  our  Church  has  ever  held  in  a 
high  degree  sacred."  These  were  the  reasons  why  the 
vestry  of  St.  Peter's  could  not  pass  "  such  resolutions 
as  were  necessary  to  give  operation  and  effect  to  the 
afore  recited  stipulations  and  engagements."  The 
rector  was  asked  to  present  the  facts  of  the  case  to  the 
Common  Council,  and  to  request,  in  behalf  of  the 
parish,  that  it  be  permitted  to  retain  both  cemeteries 
for  the  present,  and  until  "  the  state  of  the  roads,  the 
extension  of  the  city,  and  the  improvement  of  the 
ground  of  the  new  Cemetery  and  its  vicinity  be  such  as 
to  render  it  decent,  proper  and  convenient,  for  the 
members  of  the  Church  Congregation  to  occupy  the 
one  last  granted  solely."  The  vestry  also  for  the 
present  "relinquished"  any  claim  to  the  fee  of  the 
cemetery  first  granted.  There  is  no  entry  of  a  report 
from  the  rector  concerning  the  result  of  his  communi- 
cation to  the  Common  Council.  Probably  the  city 
authorities  were  willing  to  allow  the  matter  to  adjust 
itself.  There  is  no  further  action  by  the  vestry  con- 
cerning either  cemetery  for  several  years. 

There  are  no  entries  of  any  remarkable  events  of 
parochial  life  from  1805  to  1809.  The  receipt  and 
acceptance  of  the  treasurer's  reports,  the  final  adjustment 
of  the  claims  of  various  persons  who  were  concerned  in 
building  the  new  church,  and  formal  notice  of  the 
annual  elections  of  wardens  and  vestrymen,  compose 
the  substance  of  the  records  in  the  minute  book.  The 
treasurer's  statements  show  that  the  finances  of  the 
parish  were  in  a  satisfactory  condition,  only  requiring 
occasional  and  temporary  loans  of  small  amounts. 
There  was  evidently  a  development  of  parish  life  and  a 


1 82  Saint  Peter's  Church 

reaching  out  to  the  various  classes  of  people  in  the  city. 
The  children  were  gathered  into  Sunday  school,  the 
"black  people"  were  carefully  taught,  there  was  quiet- 
ness and  progress. 

The  men  who  managed  the  affairs  of  St.  Peter's 
were  among  the  best  known  in  the  state  and  city;  but 
while  they  were  careful  for  the  present,  they  took  short 
views  into  the  future.  The  lands  of  the  church  were 
supposed  to  be  of  great  prospective  value,  but  some  of 
them  had  already  been  sold  to  pay  debts  incurred  in 
building.  There  was  a  manifest  unwillingness  to  meet 
by  subscription  or  increase  of  the  pew  rents  the  deficiency 
of  income,  and  the  property  of  the  parish  was  pledged 
for  temporary  loans.  Undoubtedly  this  course  was  con- 
sidered wise  and  prudent.  It,  however,  brought  the 
vestry  in  1809  to  a  consideration  of  the  finances  of  the 
church.  A  committee,  which  had  been  appointed  for 
the  purpose,  made  to  a  full  vestry  meeting  on  April  28, 
1809,  this  report: 

"The  Committee  appointed  to  enquire  and  report  the 
annual  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the  Episcopal 
Church,  Report  as  follows,  to  wit: — That  they  have 
from  the  Books  of  account  of  the  Treasurers  ascertained 
the  annual  receipts  to  be  as  follows,  to  wit: 

From  the  Rent  of  real  property,  $210.00 


From  Pew  Rents, 

465.00 

"       Subscriptions, 

261.50 

"       Collections  on   Sundays, 

&c.. 

average, 

248.00 

Pall,       " 

16.00 

11,200.50 


Building  of  the  Second  Cliurch  Edifice         183 

And  that  the  expenditures  permanent  and  contingent 
are  as  follows,  to  wit: 

Rector's  Salary,  $1,000.00 

Clerk's  Salary,  50.00 

do       Commiss'ns,  average,  48.00 

Sexton's  Salary,  30.00 

Interest  on  Debt  due  John  Cuyler,  87.50 

Contingent,  Wood,  etc.,  30.00 

Making  a  total  of  11,245.50 

from  which  it  will  appear  that  $45  annually  are  wanted 
to  make  up  the  deficiencies.  The  Committee  are,  how- 
ever, of  opinion  that  a  disposition  of  the  real  Estate  of 
the  Church  can  be  made  to  enable  it  to  discharge  its 
annual  disbursements  and  the  Bond  and  Mortgage  due 
to  John  Cuyler  in  the  course  of  a  few  years,  and  there- 
fore are  of  opinion  that  a  Committee  be  appointed  to 
take  into  consideration  the  further  disposition  of  the 
Estate  of  the  Church  in  order  to  promote  the  encrease 
of  the  funds  and  the  interest  thereof,  and  report  their 
opinion  to  the  Vestry.      All  which  is  submitted. 

S.    ViSSCHER, 


28  April,  1809. 


„  „    T  1  Committee." 

Peter  R.  Ludlow, 


The  vestry  concurred  in  the  report,  and  appointed  as 
the  committee  suggested  Messrs.  Samuel  Hill,  S. 
Visscher  and  Peter  R.  Ludlow.  There  is  no  entry 
of  any  formal  report  by  them  on  the  minutes,  but  the 
course  advised  by  the  committee  evidently  was  followed. 

In  the  summer  of  this  year  the  parish  was  both 
grieved  and  surprised  by  the  resignation  of  the  rector. 
So  far  as  any  records  show,  there  was   perfect  harmony 


184  Saint  Peter's  Church 

and  content.  Mr.  Beasley  was  never  a  strong  man 
physically,  he  was  sensitive  and  retiring,  he  was  a 
scholar  and  thinker,  and,  possibly,  he  found  that  his 
physical  health  was  giving  way  under  the  strain  of  the 
work  necessary  in  the  parish.  His  letter  of  resignation 
assigns  no  cause.  He  mentions  the  call  he  had  received 
to  become  associate  rector  of  St.  Paul's,  Baltimore, 
Maryland,  and  that  there  were  strong  reasons  why  he 
should  accept  immediately.  He  suggests  to  the  wardens 
the  propriety  of  calling  a  new  rector  before  the  winter. 
He  speaks  of  "  some  small  difficulties"  which  "  have 
arisen  in  the  transaction  of  our  affairs."  He  says  that 
"  nothing  has  been  omitted  on  my  part  which  would 
contribute  to  harmony  and  peace."  In  their  reply  the 
wardens  transmit  a  resolution  of  the  vestry  and  say: 
"  If,  sir,  it  had  comported  with  your  views  and  wishes 
to  have  remained  with  us  it  would  have  been  extremely 
grateful,  and  while  your  determination  to  leave  this 
congregation  excites  in  them  a  deep  regret,  be  assured 
there  are  none  who  feel  it  more  sincerely  than  we  do.  "^ 
At  this  meeting  the  vestry  determined  to  rent  the  par- 
sonage house  until  May  i,  18 10,  at  the  rate  of  $250  per 
annum. 

Mr.  Beasley  during  his  residence  in  Albany  was 
highly  esteemed  and  recognized  as  a  man  of  intellectual 
power.  He  was  an  intimate  friend  of  that  brilliant 
vindicator  of  evangelical  truth  and  apostolic  order, 
John  Henry  Hobart.  His  churchmanship  was  of  the 
same  stanch  and  sturdy  character  as  that  of  his  friend. 
He  held  firmly,  but  without  arrogance,  the  doctrine 
and  polity  of  that  branch  of  Christ's  Church  of  which 

'  For  the  correspondence,  see  appendix. 


Building  of  the  Second  Church  Edifice        185 

he  was  a  minister,  and  when  occasion  required  defended 
her  system  with  skill  and  dignity. 

In  1805  the  Rev.  Dr.  William  Linn,  a  Presbyterian 
minister  of  ability  and  scholarship,  who,  after  holding 
many  positions  of  distinction  in  his  own  communion, 
was  spending  the  closing  years  of  his  life  in  Albany, 
wrote  a  series  of  papers  for  The  Albany  Centinel, 
which  he  styled  "  Miscellanies."  In  one  of  them  he 
spoke  slightingly  and  caustically  of  the  doctrine  of  the 
Apostolic  succession.  Mr.  Thomas  Y.  Howe,  a 
lawyer,  living  in  Albany,  and  the  friend  and  associate 
of  both  Dr.  Hobart  and  Mr.  Beasley  in  college, 
answered  him  with  vigor  and  effect.  In  the  discussion 
which  followed  in  The  Centinel  and  other  papers,  Mr. 
Howe  was  clear,  logical  and  precise  in  his  statements. 
Friends  soon  came  to  his  aid,  and  among  the  papers 
then  published  were  some  by  Dr.  Hobart  and  Mr. 
Beasley.  These  essays  and  Dr.  Linn's  replies  were 
published  in  the  following  year  in  a  volume  enriched 
with  a  preface  and  notes  by  Dr.  Hobart.^  The  inter- 
est excited  was  wide  spread,  and  led  to  the  fuller  expo- 
sition of  the  doctrine  by  Dr.  Hobart  in  his  well  known 
"Apology  for  the  Apostolic  Order."'^ 

Mr.  Howe,  who  had  been  wavering  between  his  early 
preference  for  the  ministry  and  a  continuance  in  his 
profession  of  the  law,  was  led  by  his  two  friends' 
advice  and  influence  to  study  for  the  holy  ministry,  and 
read  theology  under  Mr.  Beasley.  He  became  one  of 
the  assistant  ministers  of   Trinity   Church,  New  York, 

'  A  Collection  of  Essays  on  the  subject  of  Episcopacy.  8  vo.  New 
York,  1806. 

'  Apology  for  the  Apostolic  Order  and  its  advocates,  in  a  series  of 
Letters  to  the  Rev.  John  M.  Mason,  D.D.      New  York,  1807. 


1 86  Saint  Peter's  Church 

and  enjoyed  for  some  years  a  high  reputation  as  a 
pastor  and  preacher. 

Mr.  Beasley's  influence  over  young  men  is  shown  by 
an  interesting  incident  in  the  life  of  Dr.  Brownell,  the 
third  bishop  of  Connecticut.  He  was  then  a  student 
in  Union  College,  Schenectady,  and  preparing  for  the 
Presbyterian  ministry  under  the  celebrated  Dr.  Nott. 
The  argument  for  a   Presbyterian  government  of  the  , 

primitive  Church,  as  presented  in   some   of  the   books  ^ 

which  he  was  reading  did  not  satisfy  him,  and  his 
instructor  sent  him  to  Mr.  Beasley  to  obtain  some 
other  standard  authorities  on  Church  government. 
Archbishop  Potter  on  Church  Government,  and  other 
books  which  Mr.  Beasley  lent  him,  convinced  him  that 
the  position  held  by  the  "Episcopal  Church,"  as  it 
was  then  popularly  styled,  was  the  true  one.  Ulti- 
mately he  became  a  churchman,  and,  in  the  course  of 
time,  the  judicious  and  honored  Presiding  Bishop  of  the 
American  Church.^ 

The  life  of  Dr.  Beasley  as  a  parish  priest,  educa- 
tor,  and   author,   is   briefly  sketched   in  an  appendix.^ 

'  See  appendix  for  an  extract  from  Bishop  Brownell's  Autobiography. 
'  See  appendix. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

PARISH   CONTROVERSIES 

The  Rev.  Timothy  Clowes  in  charge  of  St.  Peter's,  1810.- — Contract 
with  William  Redstone  for  church  organ,  1812. — Mr.  Clowes  ordained 
priest  and  instituted  rector,  1813. — Discovery  of  the  Vestry  Minute 
Book. — The  control  and  income  of  all  the  property  north  of  Maiden 
Lane  claimed  by  Mr.  Clowes,  1813-14. — His  claim  disputed  by  Gov. 
Tayler,  Mayor  Van  Rensselaer  and  others. — The  rector  upheld  by  a 
portion  of  the  congregation,  1814-1816. — Discussion  of  the  contro- 
versy with  Bishop  Hobart,  181  5. — The  "Pamphlet"  issued  by  Gov. 
Tayler;  "  The  Answer  of  the  Congregation"  issued  by  Mr.  Clowes, 
I  816. — Charges  preferred  to  the  bishop  against  the  rector  of  St.  Peter's; 
his  trial  and  suspension  by  Bishop  Hobart,  181  7. — Mr.  Clowes'  resig- 
nation and  resolutions  of  the  vestry,   1817. 

THE  treasurer's  book  shows  that  several  clergy- 
men who  subsequently  became  well  known,  were 
invited  to  officiate  in  St.  Peter's  during  the  vacancy  in 
the  rectorship.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Cooper  came  from 
Hudson;  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wheaton  from  New  Haven; 
the  Rev.  Adam  Empie  from  Hempstead;  Mr.  Croes 
from  New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey;  Mr.  Hubbard 
from  the  new  town  of  Duanesburgh;  Mr.  Butler  from 
the  village  of  Troy  and  Mr.  Stebbins  from  Schenectady. 
The  entries  also  show  that  services  were  held  every 
Sunday,  and  that  some  of  these  clergymen  officiated 
several  times. 

In  the  late  autumn  the  preferences  of  the  members 
of  the  congregation  were  expressed  in  an  invitation  to 
the  Rev.  Timothy  Clowes  to  become  minister  of  the 
parish  for  one  year.      The   only   source   of  information 


1 88  Saint   Peter's  Church 

concerning  this  important  action  is  found  in  Mr.  Clowes' 
pamphlet  "The  Answer  of  the  Congregation."  From 
this  document  we  learn  that  a  letter  of  Mr.  Clowes  to 
Mr.  Peter  R.  Ludlow  was  the  cause  of  a  vestry  meeting 
held  on  December  12,  1809,  at  which  Mr.  Clowes  was 
called  for  one  year.^  The  call  was  enclosed  to  Bishop 
Moore  for  his  approval.  He  cordially  seconded  the 
invitation,  and  on  April  23,  18 10,  Mr.  Clowes  took 
charge  of  St.   Peter's. 

Mr.  Clowes  was  in  his  twenty-third  year  when  he 
came  to  Albany.  Dr.  Ten  Eyck  remembered  him  as 
being  "tall  and  somewhat  ungainly."  Others  describe 
him  as  a  large,  raw-boned  man.  Awkward  in  his  man- 
ner, uncouth  in  his  appearance,  he  possessed  great 
energy  of  character.  He  had  high  ideals  of  the  rights 
and  duties  of  a  christian  priest  and  the  needs  of  a 
christian  congregation.  He  presented  a  sharp  contrast 
to  some  of  his  courtly  predecessors.  As  a  preacher  he 
was  plain,  blunt  and  direct.  His  ready  cordiality  and 
unpolished  speech  commended  him  to  many  who  had 
been  inclined  to  stand  aloof  from  the  Church  as  exclu- 
sive and  aristocratic.  The  parochial  register  shows  that 
new  families  were  added  and  that  large  numbers  were 
baptized  and  confirmed. 

Soon  after  Mr.  Clowes'  arrival  the  "Old  Buryal 
Ground"  was  laid  out  in  building  lots  and  those  on 
Deer  (now  State)  street  offered  for  sale,  with  a  ground 
rent  of  ten  dollars  reserved  on  each  lot.  The  proceeds 
of  the  sale,  which  was  made  in  the  summer  of  18 10, 
were  $6,175,  of  which  one  quarter  was  in  cash,  the 
remainder  being  payable  in  three  annual  installments. 

'  See  appendix  for  Mr.  Ludlow's  answer. 


Parish  Controversies  189 

At  the  September  meeting  of  the  vestry  it  was 
announced  that  several  members  of  the  parish  had 
subscribed  twelve  hundred  dollars  for  the  purchase  of 
an  organ.  A  further  sum  of  three  hundred  dollars  was 
needed  to  provide  "a  good  and  sufficient  organ."  The 
vestry  authorized  the  treasurer  to  pay  this  sum  to  the 
organ  committee  if  more  subscriptions  could  not  be 
obtained.  In  December,  Mr.  Thomas  W.  Ford  reported 
that  Mr.  Redstone,  of  New  York,  would  build  an 
organ  for  the  church  for  the  sum  of  eighteen  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars.  The  vestry  determined  that  "as  Mr. 
Fryer  is  going  to  New  York,  he  be  authorized  to  com- 
plete a  contract  with  Mr.  Redstone  for  the  same  on  such 
terms  as  he  may  think  most  advisable." 

At  the  expiration  of  the  year  the  vestry  passed  on 
December  26,  18 10,  a  resolution  that  Mr.  Clowes  be 
called  "to  officiate  as  pastor  of  this  Church  to  com- 
mence on  the  first  day  of  February  next,  at  the  rate  of 
one  thousand  dollars  per  annum."  To  this  was  added 
the  proviso  "if  the  heads  of  families,  members  of  this 
church,  approve."  It  was  determined  that  the  best 
way  of  ascertaining  their  opinion  was  by  personal  inter- 
view, and  Mr.  Ludlow  was  formally  appointed  to  call 
upon  each  family  for  that  purpose.  The  vestry  records 
have  no  report  from  Mr.  Ludlow,  or  any  further  action 
concerning  Mr.  Clowes.  "The  Answer"  says,  that  on 
December  31,  1810,  Mr.  Clowes  received  a  letter  from 
the  wardens,  Hon.  John  Tayler  and  Hon.  P.  S.  Van 
Rensselaer,  "by  which  he  is  'regularly  called  and 
inducted  as  Rector.'  "  ^ 

'  Answer,  p.   19. 


igo  Saint   Peter's  Church 

Mr.  Redstone  had  evidently  completed  the  organ  in 
the  spring  of  1812.  The  first  organist  was  Mr.  P. 
Hochstrasser,  who  volunteered  his  services  for  six 
months.  He  was  thanked  by  the  vestry,  and  received 
the  sum  of  sixty  dollars  in  October.  To  the  sexton's 
duties  was  now  added  "blowing  the  organ  bellows,"  as 
the  minutes  phrase  it,  for  which  he  was  to  receive 
twenty-five  dollars  a  year. 

At  the  October  meeting  of  the  vestry  a  committee 
was  appointed  to  procure  an  organist.  The  treasurer's 
book,  tells  us  that  Mr.  John  Meacham  was  selected. 
He  served  acceptably  for  some  years.  In  March,  18 13, 
a  committee  was  directed  to  purchase  "a  hearse,  with 
harness  and  other  appurtenances."  Mr.  Fryer  reported 
in  September  that  it  was  then  complete  and  ready  for 
use,  and  the  cost  had  been  one  hundred  and  sixty  dol- 
lars and  thirty-seven  cents. 

An  assessment  for  a  drain  in  State  street  caused  the 
vestry  at  this  time  some  anxiety.  The  question  was 
raised  whether  church  property  should  be  taxed  for  city 
improvements.  It  was  referred  to  Mr.  Henry  Walton, 
a  lawyer  of  ability,  and  Mr.  William  Fryer,  a  man  of 
excellent  judgment.  They  were  directed  if  they  found 
the  assessment  legally  due  to  draw  an  order  on  the 
treasurer  for  the  amount  necessary  to  meet  it.  It  was 
found  to  be  a  just  claim  on  the  parish  and  the  treas- 
urer's book  records  the  payment,  on  September  22,  of 
one  hundred  dollars  for  that  purpose. 

The  care  of  the  property  was  in  the  hands  of  Mr. 
William  Fryer,  who  seems  to  have  managed  it  prudently. 
The  vestry  minutes  record  from  time  to  time  new  leases, 
temporary  loans,  the  annual  elections  and  the  treasurer's 
reports  at  irregular  intervals  from  a  year  and  a   half  to 


^  A  -■ 


'Vhe  Rev.  Timothy  Clowes 

Ri-ctor  of  St.  Prler's,    1H13-181J 


Mg«f 


Parish  Controversies  191 

three  years.  Some  details  not  found  in  the  minutes  can 
be  supplied  from  his  accounts.  While  Mr.  Clowes  was 
a  deacon,  Mr.  Butler,  from  Troy,  and  Mr.  Stebbins, 
from  Schenectady,  administered  the  Holy  Communion 
at  intervals  of  three  months. 

For  nearly  three  years  Mr.  Clowes  was  growing  in 
the  esteem  of  the  people  of  his  charge.  He  had  cour- 
age and  sincerity,  strength  and  devotion,  and  found  a 
large  number  ready  to  encourage  and  aid  him  In  carrying 
out  his  plans  for  the  parish.  On  November  26,  18 13, 
he  was  ordained  priest  by  Bishop  Hobart,  previous  to 
which  he  received  a  formal  certificate  from  the  wardens 
that  he  had  been  duly  inducted  as  rector.  A  technical 
distinction  was  then  made  by  the  canons  between  induc- 
tion and  institution;  induction  being  considered  the 
investing  of  a  clergyman  with  the  temporalities  of  a 
parish,  and  institution  the  solemn  ratification  of  spiritual 
union  between  priest  and  parish.  Unhappily  now  very 
few,  with  the  present  permissive  canon,  are  instituted 
into  their  cures.  It  was  more  than  two  months  after 
his  ordination  that  "Mr.  Clowes  was  instituted  as  rector 
of  Saint  Peter's,  on  February  3,  1814. "  Whether  the 
bishop  was  the  institutor  or  delegated  some  priest  to  act 
is  unknown.  What  should  have  served  to  cement  more 
closely  the  tie  between  pastor  and  flock  was  the  begin- 
ning of  trouble  and  discord.  The  great  tranquility  and 
increasing  prosperity  were  rudely  disturbed. 

The  exciting  cause  for  this  unhappy  division  was  a 
matter  of  temporal  administration.  In  the  fall  of  18 13, 
Mr.  Clowes  received  from  Mayor  Van  Rensselaer,  the 
junior  warden,  two  bags  of  books,  in  which  were,  as  he 
says  in   "The  Answer,"  ^  "some   Churchman's   Maga- 

'  The  Answer,  p.   23. 


192  Saint  Peter's  Church 

zines,  and  three  pamphlets,  and  among  the  rest  the 
book  of  Minutes  from  which  we  have  made  the  extracts 
heretofore  given." 

As  Mr.  Clowes  studied  the  various  proceedings 
recorded  in  those  minutes ;  the  drafts  of  letters  to  the 
vestry  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  the  replies,  and 
the  action  of  Saint  Peter's  vestry,  he  received  the 
impression  that  he  was  being  defrauded  of  his  rights  by 
the  withholding  from  him  of  the  income  of  all  the  land 
north  of  Maiden  Lane,  which,  by  the  terms  of  the  grant 
from  Trinity  Church,  was  to  be  reserved  forever  for  the 
use  of  the  rector.  As  he  had  not  attended  the  meet- 
ings of  the  vestry  until  after  his  institution,  he  was 
unfamiliar  with  the  financial  condition  of  the  parish, 
was  ignorant  of  the  exact  terms  of  the  call  to  Mr. 
Beasley,  and  unaware  that  the  salary  he  received  included 
the  income  of  the  church  lands.  To  claim  that  income 
in  addition  to  his  salary  was  characteristic  of  Mr.  Clowes; 
to  treat  the  claim  with  disdain,  to  consider  it  an  unwar- 
ranted intrusion  into  affairs  of  which  he  knew  nothing, 
and  a  practical  charge  of  fraud,  was  the  natural  attitude 
of  the  vestry.  The  rector's  whispered  confidence  to 
one  friend  after  another  of  his  discovery,  the  final  open 
declaration  of  it  and  the  arraignment  of  men  who  bore 
an  excellent  reputation  in  the  church  and  city,  made  an 
unhappy  winter  for  Saint  Peter's.  There  was  a  desire 
on  the  part  of  some  to  let  the  whole  matter  drop.  Mr. 
Clowes  thought  that  such  a  course  "would  have  been  a 
crime  not  much  less  than  sacrilege  toward  God  and  rob- 
bery towards  man."^  He  began  to  make  his  claim  the 
chief  topic  of  his  conversation  and  to  consider  himself 

'  The  Answer,  p.  28. 


Parish  Controversies  193 

a  greatly  injured  man.  From  such  a  course  there  could 
be  but  one  result:  the  alienation  of  those  who  were  in 
charge  of  the  affairs  of  the  parish,  and  the  division  of 
the  congregation  into  partizans  for  and  against  the  rector. 
A  shrewd  contemporary  observer  says  that  the  contest 
was  practically  one  between  the  aristocratic  and  demo- 
cratic elements  in  the  parish.  As  the  months  went  on 
the  conflict  increased  in  bitterness;  there  were  sharp 
words  and  angry  looks,  and  envy,  malice  and  hatred 
reigned.  Mr.  Clowes  was  advised  to  put  his  claim 
before  the  Bishop  for  his  godly  counsel  and  advice,  but 
he  objected  to  this  action  as  "extremely  irregular." 

To  allay  the  excitement  and  remove  the  bitterness 
which  were  paralysing  the  work  of  the  parish,  there  was 
called  on  June  10,  18 14,  a  meeting  of  the  vestry,  to 
which  the  rector  was  specially  and  urgently  summoned. 
Mr.  Clowes  had  made  no  formal  demand  for  the  income 
of  the  church  lands.  He  now  understood  that  the  net 
sum  was  already  included  in  the  salary  paid  to  him. 
What  he  was  anxious  to  secure  was  an  acknowledgment 
that  as  the  property  increased  in  value  there  should  be  a 
corresponding  increase  in  the  salary  of  the  rector,  who- 
ever he  might  be.  As  he  spoke  to  various  members  of 
the  vestry  on  the  subject  some  heard  him  with  uncon- 
cealed indignation  and  violent  denunciation,  others  with 
emphatic  denial  of  his  right,  and  still  others  were  will- 
ing to  submit  the  claiin  to  unprejudiced  arbitrators.  It 
seemed  time  that  some  action  were  taken  and  the 
implied  accusation  of  dishonesty  removed  from  the 
vestry.  Two  accounts  are  given  of  this  meeting,  one 
from  the  writers  of  the  "Pamphlet"  ^  in  opposition  to 
Mr.  Clowes,  and  the  other  in  "The  Answer." 

'  This  will  be  fully  noticed  in  its  place.      See  page  205  et  seq. 
13 


194  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The  "Pamphlet"  says  that  after  a  statement  of  his 
claim  and  a  discussion  of  it  by  the  vestry  and  Mr. 
Daniel  Hale,  who  was  present  by  special  invitation,  as 
he  had  been  a  member  of  the  committee  of  the  vestry 
which  had  negotiated  the  grant  from  Trinity  Church, 
Mr.  Clowes  gave  the  minute  book  which  contained  the 
evidence  upon  which  he  based  his  claim,  into  the  cus- 
tody of  the  senior  warden  "in  confirmation  of  his 
determination  to  relinquish  his  claim  to  the  church  lots 
and  pursue  it  no  further."  "  The  Answer"  gives  a  cir- 
cumstantial account  of  the  meeting,  asserts  that  the  call 
was  illegal,  as  the  charter  required  at  least  one  day's 
notice,  that  a  bare  majority  was  present,  that  purposely 
the  meeting  was  packed,  and  sarcastically  and  maliciously 
refers  to  the  presence  of  Mr.  Hale.  It  asserts  that 
when  Mr.  Clowes  had  read  from  the  "Minutes"  (which, 
at  the  suggestion  of  Governor  Tayler,  at  whose  house  the 
meeting  was  held,  he  went  to  his  home  to  obtain),  the 
passages  which  substantiated  his  contention,  he  was  fre- 
quently interrupted  by  the  Lieutenant  Governor  and 
Mr.  Hale.  Both  were  angry,  and  what  Mr.  Hale  said 
could  be  hardly  understood  as  he  was  "too  incoherent 
from  anger."  Governor  Tayler  made  a  "  speech," 
which  is  described  as  venomous  and  violent  and  was 
heard  by  those  present  in  silent  astonishment. 

Mr.  Clowes  then  stated,  that  as  hitherto  the  vestry 
had  always  given  him  the  whole  income  from  the  church 
lands,  he  had  no  cause  of  complaint  and  wished  to  close 
the  discussion.  Much  satisfaction  was  expressed  by  all 
present,  and  it  was  hoped  that  the  misunderstanding 
was  adjusted  and  the  incident  closed.  The  vestry  min- 
utes have  no  reference  to  the  discussion,  as  no  formal 
action  was  taken.      Rumor,  however,  took  up  the  latest 


Parish  Controversies  195 

phase  of  the  controversy,  and  at  the  gathering  place 
of  Albanians,  the  famous  Webster's  book-store,  it  was 
told  how  Mr.  Clowes  had  been  "put  down"  and  over- 
ruled. Mr.  Clowes  then  wrote  a  letter,  in  which  he 
fully  explained  his  position  to  the  wardens  and  vestry. 
He  took  the  advice  of  Mr.  Edward  Willet,  a  well 
known  lawyer  and  a  member  of  the  vestry,  and  did 
not  send  it  but  left  it  in  the  custody  of  that 
gentleman.' 

Events  were  rapidly  approaching  a  culmination.  At 
Christmas-tide  the  vestry  by  formal  resolution  gave  to 
Mr.  Clowes  the  sum  of  three  hundred  dollars  in 
addition  to  his  salary.  He  received  it  in  lieu  of  the 
New  Year's  collections  which  by  a  custom  of  the  parish 
had  always  been  given  to  the  rector. 

The  "Pamphlet"  says  that  this  amount  was  procured 
on  a  loan,  "and  still  remains  unpaid."  The  "Answer" 
caustically  remarks,  "and  so  it  must  remain,  unless 
either  of  the  honorable  wardens  can  be  induced  to  meet 
the  vestry,  in  order  to  give  legality  to  some  proceedings 
by  which  this  and  other  honest  debts  should  be  paid." 
The  friends  of  Mr.  Clowes  comment  in  the  "Answer" 
upon  the  small  salary  he  received  in  comparison  with 
that  given  to  other  ministers  in  the  city.  They  assert 
that  each  year  since  his  residence  in  Albany  an  increase 
of  salary  had  been  promised  to  the  rector,  but  was 
deferred  by  the  vestry.  In  its  place  one  hundred  dol- 
lars had  been  given  him  on  New  Year's  Day,  18 14, 
and  the  gratuity  of  three  hundred  dollars  the  fol- 
lowing year.  "We  must  tell  these  gentlemen  and  the 
world,  what  we  happen  to  know  as  a  fact,  that  a  gratui- 
tous allowance  of  this  kind  the   Rev.  Mr.  Clowes  has 

'  For  this  letter  see  appendix. 


196  Saint  Peter's  Church 

too  much  spirit  to  accept."^  With  the  exception  of 
one  hundred  dollars  which  he  was  willing  to  receive  as 
a  commutation  of  the  usual  New  Year's  collection,  he 
intended  to  spend  the  "gratuity"  for  church  purposes. 
He  had  expended  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  dol- 
lars "for  repairs  and  taxes  on  the  rectory  house  and  lot, 
and  for  planting  trees  before  the  Church,  and  for  deco- 
rating it  for  Christmas."  ^ 

During  the  winter  and  spring  the  controversy  over 
the  church  lands  continued.  Mr.  Clowes  still  made  it  a 
topic  of  conversation  in  his  pastoral  visits  and  when- 
ever he  met  his  brother  clergymen.  It  was  fully  dis- 
cussed by  the  whole  parish,  and  both  the  friends  and 
opponents  of  the  rector  vigorously  maintained  their 
opinions.  A  portion  of  the  parish  determined  that  a 
vestry  favorable  to  the  claim  of  Mr.  Clowes  should  be 
elected  at  the  approaching  Easter  meeting.  Canvassing 
was  active  and  the  preferences  of  the  parishioners  fully 
ascertained.  On  Easter  Tuesday,  March  28,  1815, 
there  was  a  larger  number  present  at  the  annual  election 
than  for  many  years.  There  was  much  excitement  hut 
no  disorder.  The  friends  of  the  rector  formed  a 
majority  of  the  new  vestry.  It  had  been  the  intention 
that  all  the  old  vestry  should  be  defeated.  Mr.  Clowes' 
solicitation  caused  however  the  retention  of  the  former 
wardens.  The  fact  that  four  of  those  chosen  were  on 
both  tickets  did  not  decrease  the  irritation  of  Governor 
Tayler  and  his  associates.  Accusations  of  electioneer- 
ing and  unduly  influencing  the  electors  were  made 
against  Mr.  Clowes.  It  was  seriously  contemplated 
that    the    bishop    should    be    requested    to     have    him 

'  The  Answer,  p.   20. 
'  P.  20. 


Parish  Controversies  197 

removed  from  the  rectorship  of  St.  Peter's.  The  war- 
dens and  others  wrote  to  Bishop  Hobart  concerning  the 
state  of  the  parish.  The  bishop,  on  May  3,  18  15,  sent 
a  letter  to  Mr.  Clowes  in  which  he  says:  "I  hear  with 
regret  that  a  change  by  surprise  has  taken  place  in  your 
vestry ;  and  suspicions  are  afloat  through  your  agency, 
or  connivance.  Do,  my  dear  sir,  act  prudently.  Remem- 
ber '  how  great  a  matter  a  little  fire  kindleth.'  I  cannot 
now  say  all  that  I  have  heard  or  fear."  '  The  bishop 
advised  him  to  refrain  from  promoting  "any  measures 
in  the  vestry,  and  accept  none  to  your  personal  advantage 
without  the  advice  and  approbation  of  the  Mayor  and 
Governor  Tayler. " 

The  rector  and  his  friends  were  not  disposed  to  accept 
the  advice  of  the  acting  head  of  the  diocese.  Bishop 
Hobart,  with  his  acute  perception  of  the  merits  of  the 
controversy  and  desire  that  the  parish  should  be  saved 
from  any  further  quarrels,  endeavored  to  heal  the  divi- 
sions. '^  It  was  determined  by  a  majority  of  the  vestry 
that  Mr.  Clowes  should  present  his  claim  at  a  regular 
meeting  of  the  vestry.  On  June  9,  1815,  after  the 
dispatch  of  other  important  business,  Mr.  Clowes 
obtained  permission  to  read  certain  extracts  from  the 
minutes  of  1796.  When  he  had  finished,  the  senior 
warden.  Governor  Tayler,  delivered  a  speech  which  the 
"Answer"  asserts  was  an  almost  exact  reproduction  of 
that  which  he  had  spoken  just  a  year  before.  In  it  he 
reviewed  unfavorably  the  rectorships  of  Mr.  Ellison, 
Mr.  Beasley  and  Mr.  Clowes.  Every  vestryman  pres- 
ent "was  perfectly  astonished  and  silenced."  The  rec- 
tor then  said  that  fte  was  sorry  any  one  had  taken  offense 

'  The  Answer,  p.  46. 


igS  Saint  Peter's  Church 

at  what  he  thought  It  his  duty  to  bring  before  the  vestry. 
He  only  intended  to  guard  the  rights  of  his  successors 
in  office.  Those  to  whom  he  was  speaking  knew  that 
his  income  was  insufficient,  that  his  expenses  had  largely 
increased  and  the  promised  larger  salary  had  not  been 
given.  If  his  salary  were  made  "equal  to  that  of  the 
other  ministers  in  the  city,  they  might  themselves  'take 
the  possession,  and  the  control  of  the  Church  property. '  ' ' 
Governor  Tayler  at  once  retorted  "then  that's  what  you 
want,  is  it?  that's  what  you  have  been  making  all  this 
noise  about?  not  one  cent  more  shall  you  have." 
Others  of  the  vestry  acknowledged  the  rector's  inter- 
pretation of  the  obligation  to  Trinity  Church  to  be  the 
correct  one.  It  was  finally  determined  that  Mr.  Clowes 
write  to  the  authorities  of  Trinity  corporation  asking 
for  a  copy  of  the  original  bond  and  any  other  paper 
connected  with  the  grant  of  1796.  There  was  to  be  an 
informal  meeting  of  the  present  vestry  with  the  survi- 
ving members  of  the  vestry  of  1796  to  learn  their  views 
of  the  nature  of  the  obligation. 

The  rector  wrote  at  once  to  Bishop  Hobart,  the 
assistant  rector  of  Trinity  Church,  upon  the  subject. 
A  long  interview  with  Mayor  Van  Rensselaer  on  July  5 
is  dramatically  described  in  the  "Answer."  The  Mayor 
desired  Mr.  Clowes  to  recede  from  urging  his  claim,  as 
Mr.  Walsh,  Governor  Tayler,  Mr.  Hill  and  others  felt 
themselves  branded  as  cheats  by  his  persistency.  They 
desired  to  receive  the  Holy  Communion  on  the  follow- 
ing Sunday,  when  Bishop  Hobart  was  to  visit  the  par- 
ish, but  could  not  unless  the  rector  would  withdraw  his 
demands  upon  the  church  lands.  Mr.  Clowes  said  that, 
under  those  circumstances  he  would  abandon  what  he 
considered  a  righteous  claim.      The  rector  thought   now 


Parish  Controversies  199 

there  would  be  peace  and  was  greatly  rejoiced  when 
those  who  had  opposed  him,  with  their  families,  were 
among  the  communicants  on  the  day  of  confirmation. 
He  joyfully  accompanied  Bishop  Hobart  on  his  visita- 
tions to  several  parishes  north  of  Albany,  returning 
from  Ballston  on  Saturday.  It  was  a  great  surprise  to 
him  then  to  learn  that  a  paper  containing  grave  accusa- 
tions against  him  had  been  sent  to  the  wardens.  It  was 
entitled  "A  Short  and  Temperate  Statement  of  Facts," 
and  was  signed  by  forty-two  members  of  the  parish.^ 

Mr.  Clowes  immediately  wrote  to  Bishop  Hobart 
saying  that  the  supposed  reconciliation  was  ineffectual 
He  announced  his  intention  of  resigning  St.  Peter's  in 
the  near  future,  for  "my  own  peace  and  that  of  the 
Church." 

On  Sunday,  July  23,  he  delivered  in  place  of  a  ser- 
mon an  address,  in  which,  after  mentioning  the  troubles 
and  disturbances,  he  said  : 

"  I  consider  a  separation  between  me  and  this  parish,  as  now  abso- 
lutely necessary,  in  order  to  restore  peace  to  my  own  bosom,  and  as  the 
only  means  to  preserve  this  church  from  ruin.  Whether  a  separation 
will  have  this  effect  is  very  doubtfiil;  but  I  trust  in  God  it  may.  It  is 
not  my  wish  by  an  abrupt  resignation,  to  do  any  injury  to  the  church,  if 
it  can  be  avoided.  If  it  is  their  wish  to  engage  the  services  of  a  clergy- 
man, to  succeed  me,  I  shall  during  the  short  time  which  I  shall  probably 
continue  your  rector,  do  all  I  can  to  facilitate  that  object.  In  the  mean 
time,  until  a  clergyman  is  obtained,  and  I  have  determined  what  course 
to  pursue,  or  whither  to  go,  I  shall  willingly  keep  the  church  open  as 
often  as  I  am  able,  and  when  it  is  not  occupied  by  candidates.  Profes- 
sing a  willingness  to  resign  immediately  if  it  should  be  deemed  advisea- 
ble,  the  only  intention  I  have  in  view,  in  proposing  to  keep  the  church 
open,  is  to  keep  it  together  as  well  as  I  can;  to  heal  irritations  which 
have  been  needlessly  excited  heretofore,  and  which  there  can  now  be  no 

'  For  a  copy  see  appendix. 


200  Saint  Peter's  Church 

use  in  cherishing,  and  to  part  with  a  congregation,  who  have  for  five 
years  shown  me  many  favors,  and  in  which  I  am  happy  to  retain  many 
valuable  friends.  Wherever  I  may  be,  and  whatever  may  be  my  lot, 
the  recollection  of  the  friendships  I  have  experienced  from  some  in  this 
parish,  will  always  be  my  solace.  May  I  never  prove  unworthy  of  the 
continuance  of  their  friendship  and  their  affections."  ' 

He  closed  with  an  illustration,  from  the  first  lesson 
for  that  Sunday,  of  the  condition  of  the  parish  drawn 
from  the  rebellion  of   Korah. 

The  announcement  of  this  resignation  caused  intense 
feeling  throughout  the  parish.  A  petition  to  Mr. 
Clowes  to  remain  was  signed  by  one  hundred  and  fifty 
men  and  two  hundred  women  of  the  parish.  It  urged 
upon  Mr.  Clowes  the  fact  that  the  signers  of  the  "State- 
ment" did  not  represent  the  entire  congregation,  and 
that  the  differences  were  not  such  as  to  make  his  with- 
drawal necessary.  Mr.  Clowes,  after  receiving  this 
paper,  wrote  a  brief  note  to  Bishop  Hobart  asking  him 
to  defer  any  action  upon  the  letter  of  July  22  until  he 
heard  again  from  him  (Mr.  Clowes)  and  requesting  the 
bishop  to  come  to  Albany  in  the  following  week.  On 
the  next  day  the  rector  wrote  a  long  letter  of  explanation 
in  which  he  declared  "in  consequence  of  the  solemn 
remonstrances  of  the  congregation  and  vestry  of  St. 
Peter's,  I  am  resolved  not  to  resign  the  rectorship, 
and  I  therefore  revoke  my  proffer  of  resignation,  and 
desire  that  the  letter  containing  the  notice  of  such  inten- 
tion, may  be  destroyed  or  sent  to  me.'"~ 

Bishop  Hobart  replied  in  a  short  note,  announcing 
that  he  would  leave  New  York  "by  Wednesday's  boat." 
On  his  arrival,  the  bishop  was  met  by  delegations  from 

'  The  Answer,  p.  54. 
-  The  Answer,  p.  61. 


Parish  Controversies  201 

both  factions.  Abundant  hospitality  was  offered,  but 
the  bishop  thought  it  prudent  under  the  circumstances 
"to  stay  at  Skinner's."  Representations  were  made  to 
him  both  in  behaU  of  Mr.  Clowes  and  against  him. 
Mr.  Clowes  had  a  long  and,  if  we  may  believe  the 
"Answer,"  stormy  interview  with  Bishop  Hobart. 
The  bishop  told  him  of  the  charges  that  were  made 
against  him,  urged  him  to  resign  his  parish  immediately, 
and  emphatically  asserted  that  every  one  of  the  charges 
could  be  proven.  Mr.  Clowes  then  said  that  he  saw 
"nothing  but  his  destruction  could  satisfy  the  malice 
and  revenge  of  his  persecuters. "  He  told  the  bishop 
that  he  had  made  every  concession  possible,  and  had 
given  up  rights  that  he  thought  were  lawfully  his  for 
the  sake  of  peace.  He  was  still  determined  to  go  away 
from  Albany  if  he  found  that  he  could  not  remain  in 
peace  among  his  parishioners.  "  Most  certainly,"  he 
said  "he  would  not  be  driven  away."  The  bishop  then 
asked  if  his  intention  to  resign  was  his  fixed  determina- 
tion ?  Mr.  Clowes  answered  that  he  would  go  if  he 
could  obtain  a  proper  parish.  Upon  this  the  bishop 
said  that  was  a  matter  very  easily  arranged.  He  men- 
tioned Annapolis  in  Maryland,  but  especially  urged  that 
Mr.  Clowes  should  go  to  Kentucky,  where  the  Church 
had  been  only  recently  established,  and  where  a  man  of 
his  ability  could  find  a  parish  that  would  bring  to  him 
honor  and  reputation.  The  bishop  promised  to  write 
to  the  Hon.  John  D.  Clifford  concerning  Mr.  Clowes, 
and  advised  the  rector  to  do  the  same.  He  also  asked 
Mr.  Clowes  to  write  to  him  (Bishop  Hobart)  at  once  a 
letter  announcing  his  intention  of  resigning.  Mr. 
Clowes  complied  with  this  request^  and  the  same  eve- 
'  For  the  text  of  this  letter  see  appendix. 


202  Saint  Peter's  Church 

ning  he  also  wrote  to  Hon.  John  D.  Clifford  upon  the 
prospects  of  "an  eligible  situation"  in  Kentucky.  The 
reply  was  a  letter  full  of  information  upon  the  state  of 
the  Church  in  "the  western  country,"  but  contain- 
ing no  formal  offer  of  a  parish.  The  only  parish 
already  organized,  that  at  Lexington,  had  an  admirable 
rector,  the  Rev.  John  Ward,  but  there  were  towns 
where  the  Church  could  gather  congregations  and  where 
there  would  be  the  brightest  outlook  for  future 
growth. 

In  the  meantime  the  contemplated  resignation  of  the 
rector  had  become  known  to  various  persons  in  the  par- 
ish. The  situation  was  such,  that  no  one  interposed 
any  objection.  The  affairs  of  St.  Peter's  had  been 
widely  discussed,  and  it  was  the  determination  of  several 
clergymen  in  the  diocese  to  formally  present  its  rector 
for  trial  unless  a  resignation  was  received  before  the 
time  of  the  meeting  of  the  convention.  Mr.  Clowes 
made  preparations  for  his  removal,  and  daily  expected  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Clifford.  When  the  bishop  returned 
from  his  western  visitation  about  the  middle  of  Sep- 
tember, he  inquired  "whether  an  answer  had  been 
received  from  Mr.  Clifford"  and  was  answered  in  the 
negative.  Mr.  Clowes  then  told  the  bishop  that  "he 
did  not  intend  to  resign  until  after  the  convention,  as 
threats  had  been  repeatedly  and  distinctly  made,  that 
charges  would  be  there  presented  against  him."^  In  the 
course  of  the  conversation  the  bishop  said:  "Well, 
you  know  the  consequences  if  you  stay !  you  have  had 
fair  warning."  He  also  assured  him  that  the  most 
damaging  charge  would  be  the  violation  of  the  solemn 
and  voluntary   engagement  to   resign  made   in  his   letter 

'  The  Answer,  p.  8l. 


Parish  Controversies  203 

of  August  4.  Finally  the  bishop  accused  Mr.  Clowes 
"with  absolute  and  wilful  falsehood"  and  the  inter- 
view ended.  The  whole  congregation  was  now  excited 
and  party  spirit  was  high.  There  were  many  unhappy 
and  disgraceful  scenes.  Those  who  only  understood 
that  Mr.  Clowes  had  broken  his  word  given  to  the 
bishop  were  incensed  against  the  rector.  Others  who 
understood  that  the  resignation  was  conditional,  heartily 
supported  Mr.  Clowes.  The  convention  of  the  diocese 
was  held  in  New  York  during  the  last  week  of  Septem- 
ber. The  condition  of  St.  Peter's  was  discussed,  but 
no  formal  presentment  of  the  rector  was  made.  The 
vestry  sent  a  document  reviewing  the  whole  controversy 
and  justifying  the  action  of  the  rector.  It  was  appar- 
entlv  unsigned,  only  attested  as  the  act  of  the  vestry  and 
intended  for  private  circulation  among  the  members  of 
the  convention.  The  wardens  did  not  approve  of  it  or 
of  the  delegation  sent. 

After  his  return  from  the  convention  there  was  an 
expectation  in  the  parish  that  Mr.  Clowes  would  resign 
as  he  had  been  vindicated  in  his  position,  and  the  oppo- 
sition was  still  united  and  bitter.  A  letter  from  Bishop 
Hobartto  Governor  Tavler,  dated  October  13,  1815,  was 
circulated  and  added  fuel  to  the  flame.  It  declared  there 
was  no  difficulty  or  obstacle  on  his  part  to  the  departure 
of  Mr.  Clowes  from  the  parish  as  the  bishop  had  pro- 
cured for  him  ''  the  offer  of  a  handsome  settlement  in 
Kentucky,  and  I  know,  therefore,  of  no  pretext,  that 
should  induce  him  to  delay  the  fulfilment  of  his  volun- 
tary and  solemn  engagement  to  me."'  The  effect  of 
this  letter  was  to  widen  the  breach  between  the  bishop 
and  many  in  St.  Peter's.      The  rector  considered   him- 

'  The  Answer,  p.  92. 


204  Saint  Peter's  Church 

self  absolved  from  his  engagement,  as  in  his  judgment 
no  permanent  settlement  or  proper  "  call  "  had  come 
from  Kentucky.  The  controversy  assumed  a  new 
phase  when,  during  divine  service  on  Sunday,  Novem- 
ber 12,  1815,  he  made  the  following  declaration  of  his 
final  determination: 

"  My  brethren  ;  it  will  be  recollected  that  about  three  months  ago  I 
announced  my  intention  to  relinquish  the  rectorship  of  this  church.  At 
the  time  I  did  this,  I  expected  little  opposition  to  carrying  my  inten- 
tion into  effect:  but  the  vestry  and  the  great  majority  of  the  congrega- 
tion have  expressed  their  decided  disapprobation  and  opposition  to  my 
leaving  this  church:  and  I  cannot  go  without  their  consent,  agreeably  to 
the  rules  of  the  church.  Besides  this,  there  has  been  an  attempt  made 
to  force  me  to  a  dishonorable  separation,  to  which  I  can  never  submit. 
When  I  leave  this  congregation,  it  must  be  a  matter  of  choice  on  my 
part,  not  of  necessity.  I  must  go  away  with  a  full  prospect  of  being 
useful  elsewhere.  The  conduct  of  those  who  wish  my  resignation,  has 
placed  the  most  insuperable  obstacle  in  the  way  to  it.  I  therefore  take 
this  public  opportunity  to  answer  the  numerous  inquiries  that  are  made 
on  this  subject,  that  my  intention  is  entirely  changed,  and  that  now  I 
have  no  thought  and  no  desire  to  leave  this  congregation:  but  am  deter- 
mined to  devote  myself  by  the  help  of  God's  grace  to  a  zealous  fulfil- 
ment of  the  duties  of  my  station,  for  which  end  I  beg  the  assistance  of 
your  ardent  prayers  to  the  Throne  of  Grace."  ' 

Governor  Taylor  and  his  associates  once  more  wrote  to 
the  bishop  and  received  from  him  a  letter  dated  December 
12,  1815,  in  which  he  cited  his  correspondence  with 
Mr.  Clowes,  his  endeavors  to  promote  the  best  welfare 
of  the  parish,  the  solemn  pledge  of  Mr.  Clowes  to 
resign  and  the  offer  from  Kentucky.  The  bishop 
claimed  that  for  a  bachelor  clergyman  it  was  of  no  essen- 
tial importance  to  obtain  a  fixed  salary  before  his 
arrival.      He  also  disclaimed  any  desire  to  prejudge  the 

'  The  Answer,  p.  97. 


Parish  Controversies  205 

matter  or  take  particular  action.  "  To  both  parties  I 
stated  unequivocally  that  this  business  did  not  come 
before  me  in  such  a  shape  as  to  admit  of  any  authorita- 
tive act  on  my  part.  But  as  according  to  my  office  I 
was  charged  with  the  superintendence  of  the  clergy  and 
congregation,  it  appeared  to  me  that  I  could  not  con- 
sistently with  duty  refuse  to  receive  any  representations 
from  them  relative  to  their  interests,  in  order,  if  pos- 
sible to  aid  them  in  their  difficulties,  and  to  promote 
their  peace  and  prosperity.  The  circumstances  of  the 
present  case  excited  a  peculiar  interest  in  my  mind  from 
the  importance  and  respectability  of  the  congregation  at 
Albany,  and  from  my  solicitude  for  the  reputation  and 
welfare  of  Mr.  Clowes,  having  known  him  from  an 
early  period  of  his  life,  and  having  been  very  principally 
instrumental  in  bringing  him  into  the  ministry."  He 
concluded  by  saying  that  a  copy  of  this  letter  had  also 
been  sent  to  both  the  friends  and  opponents  of  the 
rector  and  was  to  be  shown  to  Mr.  Clowes. 
vT  Both  sides  remained  fixed  in  their  convictions.  The 
rector  still  went  about  his  pastoral  duties,  the  number  of 
children  and  adults  baptised  was  large,  and  candidates 
for  confirmation  were  numerous,  congregations  attentive 
and  devout  and  the  finances  satisfactory.  The  only 
drawback  to  prosperity  was  this  unhappy  dispute.  To 
some  it  seemed  that  a  setting  forth  of  the  facts  and 
an  appeal  to  the  good  sense  and  calm  judgment  of  the 
whole  parish  might  be  the  best  method  of  ending  strife 
and  debate.  A  pamphlet  in  which  was  printed  Bishop 
Hobart's  letter  of  December  12,  with  a  history  of  the 
grant  from  Trinity  Church,  the  origin  of  the  claim  by 
Mr.  Clowes,  comments  upon  his  action  and  that  of  his 
friends,  and  a  statement   of   facts  which   justified   their 


2o6  Saint  Peter's  Church 

action,  was  printed  and  circulated  in  January,  1816.  It 
was  addressed  "  To  the  members  of  St.  Peter's  Church 
in  the  City  of  Albany"  and  was  written  probably  by 
Governor  Tayler.  It  was  calm  and  judicial  in  its  tone 
and  gave  the  essential  features  of  the  matter  in  controversy 
clearly.  Its  intention  was  primarily  "  to  make  known 
the  contents  of  a  letter  from  Bishop  Hobart  on  the 
unhappy  divisions  which  subsist  in  our  church,  with  a 
view  to  affect  the  conciliation  and  reunion  of  all  its 
members."'  Its  secondary  purpose  was  to  justify  the 
wardens  and  those  members  of  the  parish  who  agreed 
with  them  in  their  course  toward  Mr.  Clowes.  It 
minutely  describes  the  property  belonging  to  St.  Peter's 
and  the  method  of  its  acquisition,  shows  how  carefully 
it  must  be  leased  to  bring  in  an  income  which  with  the 
pew  rents  would  defray  the  expenses  of  the  church.  It 
is  sometimes  sarcastic  but  never  scurrilous.  It  speaks 
of  the  "  opposition  "  as  containing  "  a  few  respectable 
persons,"  and  appeals  in  conclusion  to  the  congregation 
to  determine  whether  those  who  had  so  long  been 
leaders  in  Church  work  should  now  be  compelled  to 
leave  the  church  of  their  fathers,  and,  as  had  been  sug- 
gested by  Mr.  Clowes,  unite  with  a  portion  of  the 
Lutheran  congregation  and  build  a  church  for  them- 
selves.^ 

The  effect  of  the  "Pamphlet"  was  to  arouse  still 
further  antagonism  and  to  confirm  the  rector  and  his 
supporters  in  their  desire  not  only  to  maintain  their  own 
opinions,  but  vigorously  to  defend  their  action.  It  had 
been  claimed  in  formal  documents  that  "  the  congrega- 
tion "    with   the  exception   of   only   forty-two   families 

'  Pamphlet,  p.   1. 

"  See  appendix  for  conclusion  of  the  pamphlet. 


Parish  Controversies  207 

were  the  cordial  and  affectionate  upholders  of  Mr. 
Clowes.  Soon  after  this  publication  there  was  a  meet- 
ing of  "  the  congregation  of  St.  Peter's  in  the  City  of 
Albany,"  convened  by  special  invitation  at  the  dwelling 
house  of  Mr.  Henry  Trowbridge,  on  the  27th  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1 8 16.  Mr.  James  Gibbons  was  chosen  chairman 
and  Mr.  William  Brown  acted  as  secretary.  No  account 
of  this  meeting  is  now  in  existence.  The  desire  of  those 
present  was  unanimous  that  there  should  be  a  refutation 
of  what  many  considered  the  false  statements,  others,  the 
half-truths  of  Governor  Tayler.  The  draft  of  an  answer 
was  then  submitted  to  the  meeting  which  took  up  the 
various  assertions  of  the  pamphlet,  and  endeavored  to 
prove  their  fallacy  and  misrepresentation.  The  meet- 
ing approved  the  draft,  and  resolved  that  it  be  published 
as  "  The  Answer  of  the  Congregation  of  St.  Peter's 
Church  in  the  City  of  Albany,  to  the  Pamphlet  lately 
addressed  to  them  by  the  Hon.  Lieutenant-Governor 
Tayler  and  others."  This  document  is  written  with 
mingled  sarcasm  and  frankness.  It  professes  to  give  a 
true  and  just  view  of  facts.  It  holds  up  to  ridicule 
Bishop  Hobart,  Governor  Tayler,  Mayor  Van  Rens- 
selaer, and  others.  It  gives  presumably  correct  tran- 
scripts from  the  vestry  minutes,  copies  of  documents 
and  many  of  the  letters  written  during  the  controversy. 
Its  style  is  lively  and  bitter.  Its  appeal  is  to  the  sym- 
pathy of  those  who  read  it.  Its  call  is  for  justice.  Its 
motive  is  to  exonerate  Mr.  Clowes  from  any  censure 
and  to  show  that  he  had  done  only  his  full  duty. 

The  first  result  of  the  issue  of  this  ingenious  plea  for 
the  rector  was  to  still  further  separate  the  two  parties  in 
the  parish.  When  the  time  came  for  the  Easter  election, 
the  wardens,  who   had  held  their  office  for  many   years, 


2o8  Saint  Peter's  Church 

were  superseded  by  Mr.  Thomas  W.  Ford  and  Mr. 
James  Gibbons.  The  members  of  the  vestry  were 
chosen  entirely  from  those  who  sympathised  with  Mr. 
Clowes.  His  conduct  at  the  election  is  said  to  have 
been  improper  and  unbecoming  a  clergyman.  Through- 
out the  diocese  both  pamphlets  were  read  and  discussed. 
Several  of  his  clerical  brethren  thought  Mr.  Clowes 
unfit  to  be  any  longer  in  charge  of  a  parish. 

The  affairs  of  St.  Peter's  were  managed  with  much 
energy  by  the  new  vestry.  At  its  first  meeting  on 
April  17,  1 816,  it  elected  the  Hon.  John  Van  Ness 
Yates,  clerk,  and  Mr.  William  Brown,  treasurer.  The 
wardens,  Mr.  Ford  and  Mr.  Gibbons,  with  Mr.  James 
Gourlay,  Mr.  Warner  Daniels  and  Mr.  John  Meads  were 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  report  upon  the  real  and 
personal  property  of  the  church.  The  wardens  and  Mr. 
Benjamin  D.  Packard  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
report  on  the  state  of  the  treasury,  and  obtain  from  "  the 
representatives  of  the  deceased  Mr.  Fryer,  our  late 
treasurer,  all  the  books,  monies  and  papers  in  their  hands 
relating  to  the  Treasury."  They  were  also  charged  with 
securing  all  other  property  of  the  church,  including 
the  charter,  seal  and  documents,  which  at  that  time 
seem  to  have  been  in  the  hands  of  various  persons. 
The  rector  was  by  resolution  made  the  custodian  of  the 
more  important  archives.  The  wardens  with  Mr.  Yates 
were  appointed  "  a  committee  to  inquire  and  ascertain 
what  description  of  persons  according  to  the  Charter  and 
the  usages  of  the  Church  is  entitled  to  vote  at  elections 
for  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  in  St.  Peter's  Church, 
Albany,  and  to  report  an  ordinance  declaratory  of  such 
usage."  At  the  next  meeting  held  on  May  3,  it  was 
determined    that   a    committee    should    report    on    the 


Parish  Controversies  209 

expediency  of  selling  at  auction  the  perpetual  lease  of 
the  lots  on  Capitol  Square,  subject  to  an  annual  rent. 

The  first  action  upon  the  erection  of  a  steeple  upon 
the  tower  of  the  church  was  also  taken  at  this  time,  and 
Mr.  Ford,  Mr.  Gibbons  and  Mr.  Yates  were  chosen  as 
a  steeple  committee  to  receive  subscriptions  and  to 
devise  means  for  securing  funds  and  obtain  plans. 

On  May  20,  the  committee  to  secure  the  moneys  and 
archives  of  the  Church  reported  that  Mr.  Isaac  Fryer, 
brother  of  Mr.  William  Fryer,  had  placed  in  their 
hands  "  a  chest  said  to  contain  all  the  papers  and  effects 
belonging  to  the  Treasury,  which  had  been  in  posses- 
sion of  the  said  Mr.  Fryer,  and  that  the  said  trunk  had 
been  deposited  with  the  rector  agreeably  to  the  order  of 
this  Board. "  ^  It  further  reported  that  having  called  upon 
"  the  Hon.  Lieutenant-Governor  Tayler,  late  warden 
of  St.  Peter's  Church,  and  enquired  of  him  for  papers 
or  books  belonging  to  St.  Peter's  Church,  that  the  said 
Hon.  Lieutenant-Governor  Tayler  had  stated  that  he 
had  a  certain  release  in  his  possession  in  favor  of  St. 
Peter's  Church,  but  that  he  did  not  choose  to  deliver  it 
up  to  the  committee,  that  he  had  had  the  book  of 
minutes  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  but  that  he  had  it  not 
now,  and  if  he  had  he  did  not  know  that  he  would 
deliver  it  up  to  the  committee."  It  had  also  requested 
of  the  late  junior  warden,  Mayor  Van  Rensselaer,  any 
books  or  papers  belonging  to  the  church,  and  the  Mayor 
replied,  "  he  had  no  books  or  papers  which  he  had  not 
already  delivered  to  the  Rector."  On  June  24,  the 
committee  on  the  sale  or  perpetual  lease  of  the  lots 
north  of  Maiden  Lane,  reported  that  "  they  judge  it 
expedient  for  the  Board  to  sell  the  perpetual  lease  of  so 
'  See  appendix. 
14 


2IO  Saint  Peter's  Church 

much  of  their  said  ground  as  faced  the  public  square, 
dividing  it  into  five  lots  of  equal  parts  and  one  hundred 
feet  deep.  And  also  they  judge  it  expedient  for  this 
Board  to  disprove  ^  of  the  perpetual  lease  of  their  other 
lots  of  ground  fronting  on  Pine  and  Lodge  streets,  and 
on  Maiden  Lane."  The  vestry  accepted  the  report  and 
ordered  the  same  committee  to  advertise  the  property 
mentioned  for  disposal  as  recommended,  at  public  auc- 
tion "  on  the  third  day  of  September  next." 

On  July  first  the  vestry  granted  the  use  of  the  church 
"  for  the  religious  celebration  of  the  fourth  of  July,  the 
anniversary  of  our  national  independence,  at  the  request 
of  the  Honorable,  the  Corporation  of  the  City  of 
Albany,  the  military  and  other  associations."  At  the 
same  meeting  the  senior  warden,  Mr.  Ford,  Mr.  Henry 
Trowbridge  and  Mr.  John  Meads  were  appointed  a 
committee  on  accounts.  Their  duty  was  to  audit  all 
bills,  and  draw  upon  the  treasurer  for  the  amount  of 
those  which  they  approved.  The  rector's  salary  was  to 
be  paid  quarterly  without  any  order,  and  the  salaries  of 
the  clerk  and  sexton  on  the  warrant  of  the  rector. 

The  contemplated  sale  of  lots  by  auction  does  not 
seem  to  have  been  held.  The  only  entries  for  the 
meeting  of  September  1 1  are  the  appointment  of  Mr. 
Ford,  Mr.  Gibbons,  Mr.  Gourlay,  Mr.  Yates  and  Mr. 
Meads  as  the  delegates  to  the  Diocesan  Convention  to 
be  held  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  October,  and  the  report 
of  a  committee  on  cleaning  the  church. 

There  is  no  allusion  to  the  discussion  of  the  two 
publications  of  the  previous  winter  in  the  vestry  minutes. 
Not  even  the  "  Answer,"  which  was  filed  with  the 
records  of  the  parish  "  by  order  of  the  vestry,"  is  men- 

'  Evidently  a  slip  of  the  pen  for  "  dispose." 


Parish  Controversies  211 

tioned.  There  were  many  clergymen  who  felt  hurt  that 
Bishop  Hobart  had  been  ignored  and  abused.  They 
considered  the  conduct  of  Mr.  Clowes  indefensible  and 
inexcusable.  They  thought  that  such  lawless  proceed- 
ings as  those  in  the  parish  of  St.  Peter's,  Albany,  should 
cease.  They  were  aware  that  any  action  they  took 
would  be  misjudged,  but  they  determined  that  the 
character  of  the  Church  in  New  York  must  be  vindicated. 
They  concluded  that  there  could  be  no  reconciliation 
between  the  two  factions.  The  obstacle  to  harmony,  in 
their  opinion,  was  the  rector.  Were  he  removed  the 
parish  would  again  be  united.  Without  any  personal 
ill  will  to  Mr.  Clowes,  or  in  any  way  determining  the 
validity  of  his  claim  to  the  whole  income  of  the  church 
lands,  they  firmly  resolved  that  duty  compelled  action. 
How  many  of  the  clergy  in  the  State  met  in  conference 
on  the  subject  cannot  be  known.  Finally  three  of  the 
clergy  made  a  formal  presentment  of  Mr.  Clowes  to  the 
bishop  upon  the  serious  charges  of  disturbing  the  peace 
of  St.  Peter's,  of  equivocation,  slander,  evasion,  scur- 
rility in  publishing  "  The  Answer,"  and  unlawful  inter- 
ference with  the  parish  elections.  The  names  of  only 
two  are  certain,  the  Rev.  Cyrus  Stebbins,  then  rector  of 
St.  George's,  Schenectady,  and  the  Rev.  Parker  Adams, 
rector  of  Grace  Church,  Waterford,  both  of  whom  were 
near  neighbors  of  Mr.  Clowes.  At  the  meeting  of  the 
convention  the  topic  absorbed  much  time  and  was  very 
fully  discussed.  An  eminent  lawyer  of  New  York,  a 
son  of  a  former  rector  of  St.  Peter's,  the  Hon.  Peter 
Jay  Munro,  introduced  a  resolution,  seconded  by  Dr. 
William  Jay,  that  it  was  inexpedient  to  pursue  further 
the  prosecution  of  the  presentment  against  the  Rev. 
Timothy   Clowes,   and  the   bishop  of   the   diocese   was 


2  12  Saint  Peter's  Church 

asked  to  use  his  endeavors  to  have  the  said  presentment 
dismissed.  A  vote  by  orders  being  called  there  was  one 
clerical  and  two  lay  votes  in  its  favor,  and  thirty-one 
clerical  and  twenty-four  lay  votes  against  it,  so  the  reso- 
lution was  lost.  This  vote  was  explained  by  a  further 
resolution,  in  which  it  was  declared  that  this  action  was 
based  upon  the  principle  that  the  matter  did  not  come 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  convention,  and  was  not 
intended  as  an  expression  of  any  opinion  whatever 
relative  to  the  merits  of  the  presentment.  Unsuc- 
cessful private  efforts  were  made  to  have  the  present- 
ment withdrawn,  or  to  induce  Bishop  Hobart  to  take 
no  action  upon  it.  Finally,  it  was  recast  and  presented 
again  to  the  bishop  on  November  28,  18 16. 

We  have  no  documents  from  which  we  can  learn  what 
was  the  course  of  Mr.  Clowes  and  his  supporters  after 
the  bishop  had  received  the  presentment.  Delays  and 
obstacles  arose  from  some  source.  Mr.  Clowes  seems 
to  have  been  very  busy  with  his  parish  work  and  the 
preparation  of  a  volume  of  his  sermons  for  publication. 
The  sermons  are  above  the  average  both  in  style  and 
clearness  of  thought,  and  had  a  wide  circulation  in 
Albany  and  other  parts  of  the  State.  He  also  issued  in 
pamphlet  form  a  sermon  upon  Holy  Days  preached  on 
the  first  Sunday  in  Advent,  18 16,  which  was  published 
by  the  Albany  Prayer  Book  and  Tract  Society.  This 
was  an  association  of  ladies  in  St.  Peter's  Church,  which, 
combining  the  purposes  of  the  Bible  and  Common 
Prayer  Book  Society  with  those  of  the  Tract  Society, 
did  efficient  service  in  making  the  Church  and  her  ways 
better  known.  The  sermon  of  Mr.  Clowes  was  an 
earnest  and  logical  plea  for  the  observance  of  the  holy 
days  which  then  were  neglected  in  many  parishes  in  New 


Parish  Controversies  213 

York  and  other  parts  of  the  country.  Mr.  Clowes  says 
in  his  conclusion:  "  To  open  the  church  in  the  morn- 
ing according  to  the  usual  custom  and  to  use  the  service 
only  would  afford  little  prospect  of  a  congregation. 
Business  would  detain  many  away,  and  the  prevailing 
indifference  to  the  service  of  the  Church  would  prevent 
more  from  attending  on  these  occasions.  I  have,  there- 
fore, come  to  the  resolution  to  open  the  Church  not 
only  on  Wednesday  evenings  as  heretofore  but  also  on 
the  evenings  of  the  Saint-days;  and  after  the  proper 
service,  to  preach  a  sermon  appropriate  to  the  occasions 
of  our  assembling.  I  feel  it  to  be  my  duty  to  make 
this  experiment  and  I  shall  expect  to  continue  the  prac- 
tice as  long  as  a  congregation  appears  to  encourage  it."  ' 

In  January,  18 17,  Mr.  Mallet,  the  organist,  resigned, 
and  Mr.  Ford  was  authorized  "  to  make  an  arrange- 
ment with  Mr.  John  Meacham,  or  some  other  com- 
petent person  to  play  the  organ  on  such  terms  as  he 
may  deem  reasonable."  At  the  Easter  election  which 
was  largely  attended,  forty-two  signing  the  certificate  of 
election,  there  was  only  one  change  made  in  the  vestry. 
Mr.  Ananias  Mott  took  the  place  of  Mr.  Samuel  Payn. 
The  chief  business  before  the  vestry  was  the  leasing  of 
the  property  of  the  parish,  and  the  endeavor  to  find 
purchasers  for  a  perpetual  lease  of  the  valuable  tract  on 
Capitol  Square,  the  appointment  of  a  suitable  bailiff 
and  the  sale  of  several  pews  in  the  church.  The 
minutes  are  in  the  handwriting  of  Mr.  Clowes.  There 
is  no  record  of  the  election  of  a  secretary  of  the  vestry, 
although  there  is  notice  of  the  reappointment  of  Mr. 
Brown  as  treasurer. 

Bishop  Hobart  finally  took  action  upon  the  present- 

'  Holy  Days,  p.  24. 


214  Saint  Peter's  Church 

ment  of  Mr.  Clowes.  He  had  hoped  to  save  the 
scandal  of  a  public  trial  and  had  thought  that  Mr. 
Clowes  might  be  convinced  that  the  welfare  of  the  parish 
required  his  resignation.  Such  a  course  was  not  in 
accord  with  the  plans  of  the  rector  and  his  friends. 
Acting  under  the  second  canon  of  the  Diocese,  passed 
in  1802,  providing  for  the  trial  of  a  clergyman,  the 
bishop  in  the  early  summer  of  18 17,  nominated  eight 
presbyters  "  out  of  whom  the  person  accused  may  choose 
five  "  to  form  "  a  Board  for  trying  the  accused  person."' 
It  is  the  first  instance  of  such  a  court  in  the  diocese  of 
New  York.  There  is  no  record  now  in  the  archives  of 
that  diocese  by  which  we  can  learn  the  names  of  those 
constituting  this  court,  whether  Mr.  Clowes  chose  the 
five  presbyters  of  the  Board,  or,  on  his  refusal  to  do  so, 
the  bishop  appointed  them,  as  the  canon  allowed. 

Although  there  was  a  very  excited  state  of  feeling  in 
Albany,  many  warmly  espousing  Mr.  Clowe's  cause,  and 
others  as  warmly  opposing  it,  there  is  no  mention  of  the 
trial  in  the  Albany  newspapers  of  that  period.  The  only 
contemporary  account  is  found  in  a  private  letter  of  the 
Rev.  John  McVickar,  then  rector  of  St.  James'  Church, 
Hyde  Park,  to  his  aunt,  Miss  Bard.  It  is  dated  from  his 
house  at  Hyde  Park,  "  The  Cottage,  23d  July,  18 17." 
After  apologising  for  his  long  silence,  he  speaks  of  his 
summons  to  Albany  as  a  member  of  the  court.  "  I  left 
home  with  the  expectation  of  a  week's  absence,  but 
instead  of  one,  I  was  detained  near  four  weeks  in  as 
steady  occupation  as  I  ever  had.  I  was  recorder  of  the 
board,  and  generally  wrote  down  twenty  folio  pages  of 
testimony  every  day.  We  always  met  at  nine  o'clock 
and  sat  till  two;  adjourned  for  an   hour   and  generally 

'  For  the  Canon,  see  Reprint  of  the  Journals,  p.  118. 


Parish  Controversies  215 

continued  to  do  business  until  six  or  seven  in  tlie  even- 
ing. *  *  *  jyir.  Jarvis  we  made  president.  He 
proposed  our  being  room-mates.  I  believe,  I  received 
the  proposition  rather  coolly.  I  was  very  soon,  how- 
ever, well  pleased  with  the  arrangement,  finding  him  an 
amiable,  unassuming,  well  instructed  companion.  As  a 
young  man  he  deserves  to  be  called  learned,  and  we 
differ  just  enough  to  keep  up  the  spirit  of  our  argument. 
He  is  a  little  more  attached  to  forms  than  I  am,  but 
mixes  them  up  with  the  spirit,  I  believe,  of  unaffected 
piety.  Of  the  other  members  of  the  board  it  is  not 
necessary  to  say  much."  Mr.  McVickar  thus  com- 
ments on  the  reasons  for  the  long  session  of  the  court, 
and  the  attitude  of  Mr.  Clowes.  "We  found  Mr. 
Clowes  disposed  to  throw  every  impediment  in  the  way 
of  our  proceeding.  I  told  him  candidly  at  first  that  the 
business  had  been  too  long  delayed  by  these  trifling 
objections,  and  that  I  had  come  up  with  one  settled 
resolution  in  the  business,  and  that  was  to  bring  it  to  a 
conclusion  —  if  innocent  to  acquit,  if  guilty  to  condemn 
him.  We  had  before  us  between  forty  and  fifty  wit- 
nesses—  in  fact  all  his  principal  friends  and  all  his  great 
opponents.^ 

The  writer  expresses  in  the  following  words  his 
deliberate  opinion  of  the  merits  of  the  controversv :  "It 
has  been  as  thorough  a  revolution  in  the  affairs  of  the 
church,  as  the  French  one  was  in  the  State.  The 
wealthy  and  respectable  have  been  put  out  and  the 
rabble  brought  in.  The  truth  of  the  case  seems  to  be 
this.  Mr.  Clowes  on  going  there  found  this  demo- 
cratic spirit  existing,  and  being   not   much  of  a  gentle- 

'  Life  of  the  Rev.  John  McVickar,  S.  T.  D.,  by  his  son,  (New 
York,  Hurd  &  Houghton,  1872,)  pp.  41,  42. 


2i6  Saint  Peter's  Church 

man,  either  in  manners  or  feeling,  he  fell  naturally  into 
their  society,  and  led  on  that  spirit  to  serve  his  own 
interested  purposes;  but  these  when  in  power  had  their 
own  views  in  continuing  there,  and  Mr.  Clowes  has 
fallen  into  the  degraded  situation  of  their  tool  and 
instrument.  Mr.  Duer^  is  on  the  part  of  the  presenters 
and  Mr.  Yates  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Clowes.  It  has  been 
a  very  tedious  business,  but  it  has  been  impossible  to 
shorten  it."  He  found  that  "  Such  a  warmth  of  public 
feeling  existed,  that  the  board  were  forced,  in  order  to 
satisfy  both  parties,  to  listen  to  everything  that  could  be 
brought  forward  in  relation  to  it.  The  senate  chamber 
in  the  Capitol  in  which  we  sat  was  generally  crowded 
with  auditors.  Clowes  has  the  faculty  of  making  warm 
personal  friends ;  some  middle  aged  men  sat  there  who 
wept  like  children  when  anything  unfavorable  to  him 
appeared  in  evidence."  ^ 

The  court  declared  Mr.  Clowes  guilty  of  every  charge 
with  the  exception  of  the  second  which  accused  him  of 
"  intrigue,  deceit,  equivocation  and  falsehood."  They 
made  also  some  minor  distinctions  concerning  his  guilt 
under  several  of  the  specifications.  The  bishop  approved 
of  the  findings  of  the  court,  and  on  October  21,  18 17, 
proceeded  to  pronounce  the  sentence  recommended  by 
the  board,  suspension  from  the  Holy  Ministry.  A 
printed  copy  of  the  bishop's  sentence  was  sent  to  every 
clergyman  and  parish  in  the  diocese,  and  the  formal 
sentence  duly  attested  and  sealed  was  sent  to  the  wardens 
of  St.  Peter's  church.^ 

'  William  A.  Duer,  then  practising  law  in  Albany,  afterward  circuit 
jndge  of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  President  of  Columbia  College, 
1829-1  842. 

'  Life  of  Dr.  McVickar,  pp.  42-43. 

^  A  copy  of  this  paper  is  printed  in  the  appendix. 


Parish  Controversies  217 

Mr.  Clowes'  action  was  characteristic.  At  a  meeting 
of  the  vestry,  held  on  October  29,  at  the  residence  of 
the  senior  warden,  the  following  letter  from  Mr.  Clowes 
was  presented: 

"To  the  Wardens  and  Vestry  of  St.  Peter's  Church  : 

Gentlemen. — The  intention  of  this  note  is  to  inform 
you,  that  I  temporarily  discontinued  the  exercise  of  the 
ministerial  office  on  the  twenty-first  instant,  and  of 
course  the  rectorship  of  St.  Peter's  Church  became 
vacant  on  that  day.  It  is  my  earnest  wish  that  the 
vestry  will  immediately  proceed  on  the  receipt  of  this, 
my  resignation,  to  supply  the  vacancy  thus  occasioned. 
The  books  and  papers  belonging  to  the  rectorship  will 
be  delivered  over  to  the  senior  warden. 

I  am,  gentlemen,  very  respectfully  yours, 

Timothy  Clowes." 

Albany,  October  29,  18 17. 

In  the  resolution  formally  accepting  the  resignation, 
the  vestry  selected  Mr.  Ford,  Mr.  Gibbons,  Mr.  Yates, 
Mr.  Gourlay,  and  Mr.  Upfold,  as  a  committee  to  con- 
sider and  report  "  what  course  of  proceedings  ought  to 
be  adopted  on  the  part  of  the  vestry,  relative  to  the 
present  concerns  and  state  of  the  Church  and  the  recent 
Transactions  connected  therewith." 

Mr.  Clowes  was  evidently  desirous  of  remaining  in 
the  city,  for  he  advertised  in  the  papers  of  the  day  that 
he  would  open  a  school  for  young  ladies  on  November 
I,  in  which  they  would  be  taught  "  all  the  branches  of 
a  substantial  English  education."  He  was  granted  the 
free  use  of  the  rectory  house  "  during  the  pleasure  of 
the  vestry."      Evidently  his  venture  was  not  successful. 


2i8  Saint  Peter's  Church 

or  he  saw  that  he  was  doing  injury  to  his  former  parish, 
for  in  the  following  year  he  opened  a  school  in  his 
native  town  of  Hempstead  on  Long  Island.  He  seems 
never  to  have  returned  to  the  city  where  he  had  attained 
both  success  and  humiliation/  While  the  members  of 
the  vestry  were  the  personal  friends  and  supporters  of 
Mr.  Clowes,  and  felt  hurt  and  indignant  at  what  they 
thought  the  injustice  and  tyranny  of  the  bishop's  sen- 
tence, they  also  realized  that  they  were  responsible  for 
the  well  being  of  the  parish,  and  that  a  long  vacancy  at 
this  critical  period  would  be  fatal.  At  a  meeting  held 
on  December  i6,  after  Mr.  Ford,  Mr.  Meads  and  Mr. 
Trowbridge  had  been  appointed  a  committee  to  settle 
and  finally  adjust  the  account  of  Mr.  Clowes,  the 
wardens  were  requested,  by  resolution,  "  to  use  all  dili- 
gence to  procure  a  minister  to  officiate  occasionally  in 
St.  Peter's  Church."  The  vestry  also  declared  that  it 
will  "proceed  to  call  a  minister  to  take  charge  of  St. 
Peter's  Church  as  soon  as  a  proper  person  may  be  found, 
one  who  will  be  likely  to  unite  the  members  of  said 
Church  in  Christian  love  and  charity."  Letters  were 
sent  by  the  wardens  to  several  of  the  neighboring  clergy 
both  asking  their  advice  and  requesting  them  to  officiate 
in  the  parish.  The  Rev.  Amos  G.  Baldwin  of  Utica 
sent  a  sympathetic  letter  commending  the  Rev.  Asahel 
Davis,  about  whom  they  had  inquired,  but  saying  that 
his  engagements  were  such  that  it  would  be  inexpedient 
to  ask  him  to  go  to  Albany  for  the  winter  as  had  been 
proposed.  The  Rev.  Joseph  Perry  of  Ballston,  wrote 
informing  the  wardens  that  he  could  not  carry  out  a  par- 
tial engagement  to  spend  the  winter  as  minister-in-charge 
of  St.  Peter's.     The  Rev.  Nathaniel  F.  Bruce,  then  at 

'  For  a  sketch  of  Dr.  Clowes  see  appendix. 


Parish  Controversies  219 

Duanesburgh,  wrote  regretting  he  could  not  come. 
The  pioneer  missionary  of  Southwestern  New  York, 
affectionately  known  as  "  Father  Nash,"  wrote  a  letter 
of  earnest  piety  and  sound  advice. 

It  was  hoped  that  the  Rev.  Samuel  Johnston  who  had 
been  made  deacon  in  18  16,  and  had  spent  more  than  a 
year  as  missionary  in  Genesee  and  Niagara  counties 
would  accept  the  invitation  of  the  vestry  made  through 
the  wardens  and  Mr.  Trowbridge,  to  "  perform  the 
ministerial  functions  in  St.  Peter's  until  the  close  of  the 
next  session  of  the  Legislature."  A  condition  of  the 
invitation  which  reads  strangely  now,  was  that  the  vestry 
reserved  ' '  the  right  to  receive  and  hear  candidates  for 
the  ministry  in  the  said  Church,  but  without  any  preju- 
dice to  the  engagement  that  may  be  made  with  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Johnston." 

Like  others  who  had  been  engaged  in  mission  work  in 
a  newly  settled  country,  Mr.  Johnston  was  ready  to  go 
farther  west,  and  he  followed  some  of  his  flock  to  the 
new  city  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  where  a  small  congregation 
had  already  been  gathered  by  the  efforts  of  the  Rev. 
Philander  Chase  on  his  first  missionary  tour,  in  May, 
1 8 17.  In  his  letter  declining  the  invitation,  Mr.  John- 
ston says,  "  You  have,  gentlemen,  conferred  a  great 
honor  on  me  and  I  could  wish  it  were  in  my  power  to 
accept  it,  but  this  cannot  be  done  consistently  with  my 
engagements  in  a  more  distant  part  of  our  Zion." 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  action 
should  be  taken  upon  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Clowes, 
deliberated  for  nearly  two  months.  They  were  not 
desirous  to  prolong  the  controversy,  but  they  were  men 
of  strong  convictions,  and  in  making  their  report  they 
were  unwilling  to  recede  from  their  conviction  that  Mr. 


2  20  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Clowes  had  been  harshly  treated.      It  was  at  the  same 
meeting  when  Mr.  Johnston  was  invited  to  officiate,  on 
the  evening  of  December  23  at  the  house  of  Mr.  James 
Gourlay,    that   the   report,    prepared   probably  by   Mr. 
Yates,  was  read.      It  states  that  the  committee  considered 
the  "Suspension"  to  be  "a  document  not  less  singular 
in  its  form  than  it  is  repugnant  in  its  matter   to  every 
principle  held  sacred  by  Episcopalians.      A  suspension 
without  limitation  is  little  less  than  degradation."      The 
bishop  is  referred  to   as  "the  party  who  has  united   in 
himself  the  contradictory  and  inconsistent  functions  of 
Accuser,  Witness  and  Judge. "^     It  claims  that  "The 
Answer"   contains  all  the  facts  necessary  to  a  clear  and 
full  understanding   of  the  subject."      It  declares   "the 
judgment  of  the  tribunal  in  question"  to  be  "a  tissue  of 
inconclusive  reasoning,  false  deduction,  and  bad   logic, 
and  in  which  it  is  difficult  to  say  whether  folly  or  injus- 
tice do  most  predominate."      After  discussing  the  ques- 
tion of  indefinite  suspension,  and  the   meaning  of  the 
canon  under  which  the  court  was  constituted,  and  claim- 
ing that  the   limitation  of  the  sentence  was  within   the 
power   of    the   court,    it   inveighs   against   the   absolute 
authority  of  the  bishop   asserting  that  he  was  to  have 
only  a  negative  on  the  sentence  of  the  court.      It  repeats 
the  charge  that  the  bishop  had  made  himself  a  party  to 
the  dispute,   and   thus  had   "disqualified   himself  alto- 
gether from  giving  a  fair  or  impartial  judgment  in  the 
case."      As  Mr.  Clowes   had  seen  fit  to   submit  to  the 
decision  of  the  court  and  the  sentence  of  the  bishop, 
which  the  committee  calls  "a  usurpation  of  authority," 
it  can  only  "recommend  to  the  vestry  such  a  course  of 
measures  as  may  tend  to  the  best  results  under  the  diffi- 
'  MS.  report.  Archives  of  St.  Peter's. 


Parish  Controversies  221 

culties  with  which  they  are  at  present  surrounded." 
They  suggest  that  the  full  proceedings  of  the  court  be 
requested  from  the  bishop;  that  "the  vestry  should 
vote  their  strong  and  marked  disapprobation  of  the  con- 
duct of  the  court  and  of  the  Bishop;"  that  by  resolution 
and  in  a  letter,  the  vestry  should  express  their  full  con- 
fidence in  Mr.  Clowes;  and  that  a  sum  of  money  in 
addition  to  his  salary  should  be  given  to  him. 

The  report  was  adopted  and  ordered  to  be  placed  on 
file.  The  preamble  and  resolution  of  commendation  are 
entered  in  the  minutes  without  any  notice  of  action 
taken  upon  it.  It  is  highly  laudatory  and  claims  for 
Mr.  Clowes  "the  warm  esteem  and  entire  confidence  of 
all  Churchmen."  It  testifies  to  his  faithful  and  devout 
performance  of  all  his  duties  while  rector  of  the  parish. 
A  second  resolution  appropriates  five  hundred  dollars  in 
addition  to  his  salary,  which  Mr.  Clowes  is  desired  to 
accept  as  a  small  tribute  of  respect  and  affection.  A 
formal  letter  was  also  written  and  sent  to  Mr.  Clowes, 
which  is  entered  on  the  minutes.  It  is  in  the  same  tone 
of  affectionate  regret  as  the  resolution.  It  dwells  upon 
the  sadness  with  which  the  ties  that  bound  them  together 
"which  they  had  fondly  flattered  themselves  would  have 
continued  during  your  life"  must  now  be  broken.  It 
speaks  of  his  "constant  and  unfeigned  piety  and  devo- 
tion," of  his  zeal  in  promoting  the  interests  of  the 
Church  and  the  honor  of  his  Divine  master.  It  recalls 
"the  kindness,  brotherly  love  and  charity"  he  had 
shown  to  his  parishioners,  and  "the  fortitude  he  had  dis- 
played under  circumstances  of  peculiar  embarassment 
and  difficulty."  It  concludes  with  these  sentiments  of 
respect  and  regard;  "  Wherever  you  go  our  good  wishes, 
our  sincere  and  unabated  affection  attend   you.      May 


222  Saint  Peter's  Church 

God  have  you  always  in  His  holy  keeping,  may  He 
ever  protect  and  bless  you,  wherever  His  kind  Provi- 
dence shall  place  you,  may  you  be  blest  with  happiness 
in  this  life  and  in  the  world  of  spirits."'  With  the 
finding  of  the  committee  that  the  amount  due  to  Mr. 
Clowes  was  $819.81,  the  ordering  that  a  bond  be  drawn 
by  the  wardens  for  the  amount  and  duly  sealed,  and  the 
execution  of  a  bond  for  the  five  hundred  dollars  voted  to 
their  former  rector,  this  unhappy  episode  in  the  parish 
life  was  closed. 

'  For  the  text  of  this  report  see  appendix. 


CHAPTER  X 

RECTORSHIP  OF  DR.   LACEY 

The  Rev.  Wm.  A.  Clark  in  charge  of  the  parish,  1818. — The  Rev. 
Wm.  B.  Lacey  chosen  minister,  181 8. — Elected  rector,  1819. — Con- 
vention of  the  diocese  in  St.  Peter's,  October,  1819. — Building  of  the 
steeple,  1822. — Temporary  loans  tor  current  expenses,  1818-1829.-- 
A  Communion  Table  presented  by  Mr.  John  Meads,  1823. — Chancel 
chairs  presented  by  Mr.  Henry  Trowbridge,  1824. — Baptismal  bowl 
presented  by  Hon.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  1824. — New  Pews,  Report 
on  burial  ground,  1825. — Organization  of  St.  Paul's  church,  1827. — 
Sale  of  lots  on  Capitol  Square,  1 827-1 829. — Building  of  the  second 
rectory,  183 1. — Negotiations  with  Dr.  Lacey  and  his  resignation, 
1831-1832. 

WHEN  the  vestry  had  learned  that  a  missionary 
from  the  western  part  of  the  State,  the  Rev. 
William  A.  Clark,  was  in  Albany  and  might  be  inclined 
to  remain  through  the  winter,  there  was  a  meeting  held 
on  January  25,  1818.'  The  wardens  and  Mr.  Trow- 
bridge were  appointed  a  committee  to  wait  on  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Clark  and  invite  him  to  take  charge  of  the  parish, 
"  until  the  close  of  the  present  session  of  the  legislature  " 
and  offering  him  a  salary  of  twelve  dollars  a  week. 
The  same  reservation  was  made  as  in  the  case  of  Mr. 
Johnston.  Mr.  Clark  accepted  the  invitation  and  by 
his  tact,  care  for  the  sick  and  ministrations  to  the  poor, 
won  the  esteem  of  those  to  whom  he  was,  for  a  brief 
season,  pastor.  His  sermons  were  sound  and  practical, 
though  not  eloquent.  The  vestry  placed  upon  record 
when    he    was    about    to    leave    Albany,    shortly    after 

'  For  a  sketch  of  Mr.  Clark  see  appendix. 


2.24  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Easter,  their  high  esteem  for  him,  in  a  complimentary 
resolution  of  thanks  "for  his  faithful  performance  of  the 
sacred  functions  of  his  office  in  said  church,  and  for  his 
unremitted  attention  to  its  members  at  their  several 
dwellings  in  his  regular  visitations,  in  sickness  and  in 
health."  Mr.  Clark  went  to  the  village  of  Buffalo  and 
organized  St.  Paul's  parish. 

The  Rev.  Wm.  B.  Lacey,  who  had  been  for  some 
years  in  Chenango  county  doing  a  work  of  organization 
and  exploration  out  of  which  grew  several  parishes  now 
prosperous,  came  to  Albany  in  the  spring  of  1818,  and 
officiated  in  St.  Peter's.  The  congregation  was  much 
pleased  with  his  manner,  his  appearance  and  his  sermons. 
To  many  he  seemed  to  be  the  most  suitable  person  to 
fill  the  vacant  rectorship.  At  a  meeting  on  May  14, 
181 8,  the  vestry  acted  with  due  caution.  After  a  pre- 
amble stating  that  Mr.  Lacey's  services  had  been 
generally  satisfactory,  it  was  resolved  to  call  him  to 
serve  for  one  year,  at  the  same  salary  as  that  given  to 
Mr.  Clowes,  "  one  thousand  dollars  in  money  in 
quarterly  payments,  the  use  of  the  parsonage  house,  and 
the  collection  made  in  the  church  on  New  Year's  Day." 
This  call  was  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  congrega- 
tion and  the  obtaining  of  a  subscription  in  addition  to 
the  pew  rents  sufficient  to  defray  parish  expenses.  Mr. 
Meads,  Mr.  Smith  and  Mr.  Buckbee  were  appointed 
a  committee  "  to  wait  upon  the  congregation  and 
obtain  their  assent  to  the  call  of  Mr.  Lacey,  and 
solicit  subscriptions  for  his  support." 

Mr.  Lacey  was  then  in  his  thirty-seventh  year.  He 
was  a  native  of  Delaware  and  had  been  made  deacon  by 
Bishop  Hobart  on  October  7,  18 13.  He  had  the 
courage  to  take  charge  of  a  hard  mission  field  in  which 


The  Rev.  IVilliam  B.  Lacey,  D.D. 

/tutor  or  St.   Peter's,    /Sl8-/8j2 


\«ft'.\\\  W  .\?'j>V 


jygju^s— 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Lacey  225 

he  gained  the  commendation  of  his  bishop  and  brethren. 
To  exchange  the  frontier  for  a  city  parish  and  take  up 
the  manifold  duties  of  a  pastor  in  a  busy  town  promised 
larger  usefulness  and  an  exchange  of  discomfort  for 
comfort.  With  mature  powers  and  a  growing  reputa- 
tion, Mr.  Lacey  determined  to  accept  the  invitation  to 
Albany,  and  on  July  2,  wrote  to  the  vestry  his  formal 
acceptance  of  the  call,  saying  that  he  "  would  be  here  on 
Sunday  next."  With  thoughtful  kindness,  the  vestry 
ordered  one  quarter's  salary  to  be  advanced  to  him, 
"and  that  two  loads  of  good  wood  be  purchased  and  sent 
to  him."  The  new  minister  in  charge  was  sensible 
that  much  was  expected  of  him,  that  there  were  latent 
energies  to  be  developed  and  aggressive  work  to  be 
done.  He  recognized  that  his  work  as  the  reconciler 
of  opposing  factions  would  be  difficult,  and  require 
patience  and  sound  judgment.  He  applied  himself  to 
his  duties  with  diligence  and  won  approbation  from  the 
whole  congregation,  and,  in  the  new  interest  aroused, 
their  animosities  were  forgotten.  The  music  of  the 
church  received  special  attention,  as  Richard  Merrifield 
was,  in  October,  appointed  chorister  at  a  salary  of 
fifty  dollars. 

The  expectations  of  the  vestry  that  the  income  from 
leased  lots,  pew  rents  and  subscriptions,  would  be  more 
than  sufficient  for  the  expenses  of  the  parish  were  dis- 
appointed, and  at  the  meeting  on  December  26,  18 18, 
Thomas  W.  Ford  and  John  Meads  were  appointed 
"  a  committee  to  borrow  of  the  Comptroller,  out  of  the 
school  fund,  for  the  benefit  of  the  Church,  sixteen 
hundred  dollars."  It  was  resolved  "  That  the  wardens 
and  vestry  will  convey  to  them  fourteen  lots  in  the  old 
burying  ground,  south  of  the  capitol  and  the  parsonage 
15 


2  26  Saint  Peter's  Church 

house  and  lot  ?  to  be  by  them  mortgaged  to  the 
State  for  the  said  sum  of  sixteen  hundred  dollars."  It 
was  also  agreed  that  the  amount  should  be  repaid  within 
five  years.  The  loan  was  effected,  and  the  necessary 
papers  drawn  and  deposited  among  the  archives.  At 
the  Easter  election,  on  April  13th,  18 19,  Mr.  Ford 
retired  from  his  office  as  senior  warden,  and  only  one 
member  of  the  vestry  elected  in  1818  was  retained. 
This  was  probably  an  effort  to  promote  harmony. 
There  seems  to  have  been  no  contest  as  only  eight  per- 
sons signed  the  certificate  of  election.  Mr.  Jeremiah 
Waterman  was  appointed  secretary  of  the  vestry. 
Among  the  first  acts  of  the  new  vestry  was  the  passage 
of  a  resolution  that  "a  respectful  letter"  be  written  to 
Bishop  Hobart,  asking  him  "to  take  off  the  suspension 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Clowes,  and  that  Mr.  Yates  prepare 
the  same."  At  the  same  meeting  which  was  held  at 
the  rectory  on  April  20,  James  Gibbons,  George  Mer- 
chant, John  Godley  and  Henry  Guest  were  appointed  a 
committee  "  to  circulate  a  paper  to  the  congregation  in 
order  to  ascertain  from  them  their  views  in  calling  and 
settling  the  Rev'd  Mr.  Lacey  as  rector  of  said  Church." 
The  result  of  their  canvass  was  evidently  satisfactory, 
for  on  Thursday,  April  23,  the  vestry  formally  called 
the  Rev.  Wm.  B.  Lacey,  at  a  salary  of  twelve  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars  and  the  use  of  the  "parsonage  house." 
The  wardens  were  directed  to  send  a  certificate  of  the 
election  to  the  bishop.  The  letter  sent  to  Bishop 
Hobart  on  behalf  of  the  vestry  is  entered  upon  the 
minutes.  It  is  dignified  and  courteous  in  tone,  and 
declares  that  there  was  in  the  parish  "unanimity  to  a 
degree  beyond  our  most  sanguine  expectations  and 
highly  consolatory  to  the  heart  of  every  true   Episco- 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Lacey  227 

palian."  After  mentioning  that  measures  are  being 
taken  for  the  institution  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lacey,  it  pro- 
ceeds to  say:  ''This  gentleman  has  been  an  instrument 
in  the  hands  of  Divine  Providence,  to  effect  much 
good  among  us  by  his  pious,  worthy  and  unassuming 
manners  and  deportment,  and  by  his  talents  as  a  minister 
he  has  secured  the  esteem  and  veneration  of  almost 
every  member  of  the  church,  and  we  anticipate  a  fruit- 
ful harvest  from  his  labors."  With  delicate  courtesy  a 
request  is  made  for  "the  removal  of  the  suspension 
from  Mr.  Clowes"  and  urged  upon  the  plea  that  it 
would  "effect  a  perfect  and  permanent  restoration  of 
peace  and  soothe  the  feelings  of  many  pious  mem- 
bers of  our  church  and  tend  much  to  insure  that  har- 
mony and  friendly  intercourse  which  we  anxiously  wish 
to  prevail  between  our  congregation  and  their  Bishop." 
It  concludes  with  strong  assurances  of  their  desire  for 
"a  renewed  intercourse  with  our  Bishop"  and  invokes 
upon  him  "health  and  prosperity."  It  is  signed  by 
the  wardens  and  six  members  of  the  vestry.^  It  was  a 
gratification  to  the  bishop  to  receive  such  a  letter,  and 
know  that  there  was  the  possibility  of  an  enduring 
tranquility  in  a  parish  which  was  of  great  importance  in 
the  diocese.  The  request  for  Mr.  Clowes'  restoration 
was  not  immediately  complied  with.  What  reply  the 
bishop  made  is  unknown.  By  direction  of  the  vestry, 
the  names  of  those  who  wished  to  receive  Mr.  Lacey  as 
their  rector  and  those  opposed  to  his  permanent  settle- 
ment in  St.  Peter's  are  entered  upon  the  minutes.  One 
hundred  and  fifteen  were  in  favor  of,  and  seven  opposed 
to  Mr.  Lacey.^     The  names  given  seem  to  be  those  of 

'  See  appendix  for  a  copy  of  the  letter. 

"  For  text  of  this  list  see  appendix. 


228  Saint  Peter's  Church 

heads  of  famiHes,  and  from  them  we  can  judge  what 
was  the  strength  of  St.  Peter's  at  this  time.  There  are 
some  omissions  of  persons  who  had  been  prominent  in 
the  recent  history  of  the  parish.  Governor  Tayler, 
Mayor  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Ford,  Mr.  Meads,  Mr. 
Yates,  Mr.  Smith,  appear  to  have  either  not  given  an 
opinion  or  declined  to  have  their  names  recorded.  The 
course  of  the  parish  is  now  onward.  The  vestry  min- 
utes give  only  a  brief  outline  of  what  was  done,  but  the 
parish  shows  very  great  activity  and  a  constant  increase 
in  the  number  of  baptisms  and  other  official  acts.  The 
first  formal  resolution  concerning  the  disposal  of  the 
communion  alms  is  on  April  30,  when  "  the  wardens 
and  vestry  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lacey"  are  made  a  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  to  "recommend  persons  that  are 
poor  belonging  to  the  Church  that  want  assistance  from 
the  same  out  of  the  monies  collected  on  communion 
days. 

Mr.  Lacey  took  a  month  to  consider  the  call  of  the 
parish  and  sent  on  May  24,  18 19,  this  brief  note  of 
acceptance : 

^'To  the  Wardens  and  Vestry  of  St.  Peter'' s : 

Gentlemen. — Your  invitation  to   become  your  rector  at  a  salary  of 
§1,250  pr.  Ann.,  and  the  use  of  the   Parsonage  and  Lot  was  received, 
and  upon  deliberation  on  the  subject,  I  have  concluded  to  accept  it. 
I  am,  Gent'm'n  with  great  respect. 

Your  Humble  and  Ob't  serv't 

(Signed)  Wm.    B.    Lacey." 

Three  days  later  at  a  meeting  "held  at  the  house  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Lacey"  it  was  resolved  to  accept  "the 
acceptance  of  the  Rev.  Wm.  B.  Lacey  as  rector  of  St. 
Peter's  church."      It  was  arranged  that  his  salary  should 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Lacey  229 

"commence  from  the  first  day  of  August  next."  On 
June  10,  Mr.  Lacey's  institution  was  determined  to 
"take  place  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  August  next, 
and  that  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart  be  invited  by 
the  Secretary  to  perform  the  duties  of  said  office."  On 
Sunday,  September  5,  Bishop  Hobart  came  to  Albany 
and  confirmed  in  St.  Peter's  a  class  of  one  hundred  and 
thirty  persons  who  had  been  prepared  by  Mr.  Lacey. 
The  institution  of  the  new  rector  took  place  on  the  fol- 
lowing day,  Monday,  September  6,  1819.  The  first 
meeting  of  the  vestry  at  which  the  new  rector  presided 
was  on  September  22,  1819,  when  only  some  routine 
business  in  relation  to  leases  of  a  portion  of  the  real 
estate  was  transacted.  A  curious  document  is  preserved 
by  which  the  rector  gave  up  all  claim  to  the  income  or 
control  of  the  church  lands  north  of  Maiden  Lane.^ 
The  release  is  given  "in  order  to  prevent  future  doubt 
or  controversy  and  to  preserve  and  promote  Christian 
unity  and  peace."  As  a  measure  intended  to  prevent 
any  further  contest  it  was  successful,  and  showed  that 
the  new  rector  desired  to  allow  the  past  to  be  forgotten, 
and  all  causes  of  dispute  to  be  removed.  It  was  a 
gracious  act  upon  the  part  of  the  parish  and  a  cementing 
of  the  renewed  intercourse  with  the  bishop  to  invite  the 
convention  of  the  diocese  to  meet  in  St.  Peter's  Church. 
It  was  also  significant  that  the  delegates  to  the  conven- 
tion included  Mayor  Van  Rensselaer,  Judge  Duer,  and 
Mr.  Jephson  as  well  as  Mr.  Gourlay,  Mr.  Upfold  and 
Mr.  Ira  Porter.  At  this  meeting  a  committee  was 
empowered  "to  procure  lights  for  the  pulpit  before  the 
meeting  of  the  convention."  It  is  an  indication  that 
evening  services  were  then  infrequent,  the  customary 
'  See  appendix«for  this^deed. 


230  Saint  Peter's  Church 

services  on  Sunday  being  in  the  morning  and  afternoon. 
On  Tuesday,  October  19,  the  clergy  and  laity  met  in 
convention  in  St.  Peter's.  There  were  changes  since 
they  had  been  there  sixteen  years  before  when  the 
church  was  consecrated.  The  diocese  had  grown  in 
numbers  and  zeal,  and  instead  of  two,  Father  Nash  and 
Davenport  Phelps,  from  the  western  part  of  the  State, 
there  were  more  than  twenty  missionaries,  and  delegates 
from  even  a  larger  number  of  parishes  which  had  no 
existence  in  the  first  decade  of  the  century.  The  energy 
and  enthusiasm  of  Bishop  Hobart,  and  the  practical 
teaching  of  the  Church  had  wrought  this  gracious  result. 
There  was  vigor  where  there  had  been  apathy ;  there 
was  expansion  and  progress  everywhere.  At  the  first 
session  of  the  convention  the  bishop  and  the  clergy  from 
the  southern  part  of  the  State  were  not  present.  An 
organization  was  effected  with  the  rector  of  St.  Paul's, 
Troy,  the  Rev.  Dr.  David  Butler,  as  president  and  the 
Rev.  Wm.  B.  Lacey  as  Secretary.  At  the  second  ses- 
sion the  bishop  and  other  clergy  were  present.  Seventy- 
three  clergymen  were  on  the  roll  of  the  convention  and 
twenty-one  candidates  for  orders  were  reported.  In  his 
address  Bishop  Hobart  dwelt  largely  upon  the  mission 
work  and  the  lack  of  men  and  money.  He  spoke  at 
length  of  the  Oneida  Indian  Mission  and  its  cheerful 
prospects  under  Mr.  Eleazar  Williams,  its  catechist. 
He  was  positive  in  his  conviction  that  the  distribution 
of  the  Bible  and  Prayer  Book  would  be  of  inestimable 
value  in  many  places  where  a  clergyman  could  not 
minister  because  of  the  poverty  of  the  people.  At  this 
convention  the  bishop  gave  one  of  those  charges  in 
which  the  principles  of  the  Church  were  illustrated  and 
enforced.       Its    subject   was    "The    Churchman,    his 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Lacey  231 

principles  stated  and  defended."  It  was  convincing 
and  emphatic,  clear  and  concise.  The  convention  was 
in  every  way  a  benefit  to  the  parish. 

The  need  of  a  better  system  of  lighting  the  church 
became  apparent  at  this  time,  and  Mr.  Upfold  was 
made  a  committee  to  procure  candles,  and  Mr.  Ira 
Porter  commissioned  to  procure  six  lamps.  Mr.  Stan- 
ton, Mr.  Upfold  and  Mr.  Brown,  the  treasurer,  were 
asked  to  solicit  funds  to  pay  for  the  same.  Even  with 
these  lamps  in  which  whale  oil  was  burned,  and  the 
candles  set  up  in  sockets  at  alternate  pews,  there  was 
only  a  dim  light  in  the  church.  After  all  the  subscrip- 
tions for  the  lamps  had  been  paid,  it  was  found  that 
there  were  still  due  to  Mr.  Porter  forty-nine  dollars  and 
thirty-seven  cents.  It  was  resolved  by  the  vestry  "that 
a  sermon  be  preached  and  a  collection  taken  up  on 
Christmas  Eve,  to  defray  the  expense  of  the  lamps,  or 
the  balance  now  due  Mr.  Porter  for  the  same." 

At  the  Easter  election  of  1820,  Mr.  Gibbons  retired 
from  the  senior  wardenship  and  was  succeeded  by  the 
Hon.  Philip  S.  Van  Rensselaer.  The  parish  life  moved 
on  smoothly.  The  vestry  carefully  controlled  the 
finances  of  the  corporation  and  endeavored  to  make  the 
small  pew  rents  and  low  rents  reserved  on  the  leased 
property  meet  expenses.  There  was,  however,  the 
necessity  of  appointing  each  year  a  committee  to  solicit 
subscriptions  to  cover  the  deficiency  of  income.  While 
for  special  purposes  generous  sums  were  obtained, 
no  determined  effort  was  made  for  a  permanent 
increase  of  revenue.  A  few  of  the  more  thoughtful 
members  of  the  parish  knew  that  disaster  would  come 
if  there  were  no  serious  attempt  to  meet  the  deficit.  At 
the    Easter    election     on    Tuesday,  April  9,     1822,    it 


232  Saint  Peter's  Church 

was  determined  that  "a  meeting  of  the  Congregation" 
be  held  in  the  church  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  May 
next,  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  from  the  vestry  an 
exhibition  of  the  financial  concerns  of  the  Corporation." 
The  vestry  were  confident  that  the  members  of  the  con- 
gregation would  devise  some  plan  of  relief,  for  at  a 
meeting  held  the  same  day,  it  was  resolved  to  finish  the 
church  by  the  addition  of  a  steeple  which  had  been  con- 
templated in  the  original  plan.  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer, 
Mr.  Duer  and  Mr.  Davis  were  appointed  a  committee 
to  procure  plans  and  estimates  from  the  architect  of  the 
Church,  Mr.  Philip  Hooker.  Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Stan- 
ton, Mr.  Trowbridge,  Mr.  Tayler,  Mr.  Cobb  and  Mr. 
Davis  were  chosen  "to  prepare  and  circulate  a  subscrip- 
tion for  defraying  the  expense  of  a  steeple  and  to  collect 
the  monies  subscribed  for  the  purpose."  Each  com- 
mittee went  to  work  at  once. 

In  the  meantime  a  full  report  of  the  receipts,  expen- 
ditures and  liabilities  of  the  parish  had  been  prepared 
by  Mr.  Duer  and  Mr.  Stanton,  submitted  to  the  vestry, 
approved,  and  presented  to  the  congregation  at  its 
meeting  on  May  7,  1822.  From  the  statement  regard- 
ing the  congregational  meeting,  found  in  the  vestry 
minutes,  it  is  inferred  that  it  was  neither  largely  attended 
nor  very  enthusiastic.  After  discussion,  a  resolution 
offered  by  Judge  Duer  and  seconded  by  Mr.  Gill  was 
adopted.  It  placed  on  the  vestry  the  duty  of  writing 
to  the  individual  pew  holders  asking  them  to  increase 
their  pew  rents  100  per  cent.  Like  many  other  resolu- 
tions of  deliberative  bodies  this  was  never  carried  out, 
and  the  same  unbusinesslike  expedients  as  before  were 
resorted  to  for  current  expenses. 

The  steeple  committee  presented  to  the  vestry   two 


Rectorship  of  Dr.  Lacey  233 

plans.  It  was  resolved  "that  plan  No.  2  terminating 
in  a  spire  be  adopted."  Richard  Merrifield  was 
charged  with  the  collection  of  the  subscriptions  "to  be 
paid  over  by  him  to  the  Treasurer,  and  drawn  out  upon 
the  requisition  of  a  building  committee  by  order  of  the 
rector  upon  the  Treasurer."  Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Stanton 
and  Mr.  Gourlay  were  then  chosen  as  a  building  com- 
mittee. The  subscriptions  were  general  throughout  the 
parish.  Mayor  Van  Rensselaer  gave  the  largest  amount, 
four  hundred  dollars,  and  the  other  sums  ranged  from 
one  hundred  dollars  to  five  dollars.  It  was  agreed  that 
all  sums  were  payable  in  equal  instalments  on  June  i, 
and  October  i,  1822,  and  February  i,  1823.  The 
whole  subscription  was  twenty-one  hundred  and  seventy 
dollars.  The  design  was  in  accord  with  the  classic 
architecture  of  the  church;  from  the  tower,  the  steeple 
pierced  with  windows  at  intervals  and  with  openings  for 
a  clock,  rose  to  a  height  of  about  one  hundred  feet  and 
terminated  in  a  spire  surmounted  by  a  weather  vane.  It 
was  considered  graceful  and  was  much  admired  by 
Albanians  of  a  former  generation.  While  the  steeple 
was  being  built,  the  church  was  thoroughly  cleaned, 
the  interior  walls  whitened,  and  a  clock,  over  which 
there  had  been  some  controversy  with  the  Presbyterian 
church,  placed  in  the  steeple.  The  expense  exceeded 
the  estimate  by  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  to  defray 
which,  there  was  a  supplementary  subscription,  which 
secured  two  hundred  and  thirty-three  dollars. 

The  building  of  the  steeple  and  the  repairing  and 
renovating  the  church  were  completed  during  the  sum- 
mer of  1822.  While  the  repairs  were  in  progress  the 
congregation  of  St.  Peter's  worshipped  in  the  Lutheran 
church  which   had    been   kindly   offered.      The    vestry 


234  Saint  Peter's  Church 

sent  a  courteous  greeting  "to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Meyer  and 
the  officers  of  his  church  for  their  Christian  kindness  in 
loaning  their  Church."'  The  collections  taken  at  the 
services  were  equally  divided  between  the  sextons  of  the 
two  churches.  The  ladies  of  the  parish,  in  April, 
1823,  introduced  the  city  water  into  the  rectory  house, 
the  vestry  assuming  the  annual  water  tax.  Mr.  Gour- 
lay  and  Mr.  Yates  were  empowered  to  consider  the 
question  whether  it  "would  be  proper  to  erect  a  chancel 
in  front  of  the  pulpit  and  reading  desk,  and  to  fill  the 
places  now  occupied  by  the  chancells  with  pews."  To 
the  more  correct  ecclesiastical  knowledge  of  the  present 
day  the  term  "chancells"  here  used  is  obscure.  It 
probably  means  an  inclosure  at  one  side  of  the  pulpit 
for  the  altar  and  another  at  the  other  side  for  the  font. 
Bishop  Hobart  advocated  what  has  been  styled  the 
"three  decker"  arrangement,  which  the  new  St.  Thomas 
Church,  New  York  City,  built  in  1824,  made  popular. 
The  bishop  intended  it  to  emphasize  and  make  prom- 
inent the  altar,  that  all  might  see  and  hear  what  was 
done  by  the  priest  in  the  most  solemn  office  of  the 
Church. 

The  committee  made  a  report  on  June  30,  which  is 
not  recorded.  They  had  evidently  a  definite  plan  both 
for  the  alterations  and  for  obtaining  funds.  They  are 
authorized  to  sell  "the  pews  which  shall  be  erected  in 
consequence  of  such  alterations  in  such  manner  as  shall 
seem  to  them  expedient."  The  only  other  entry  con- 
cerning the  alteration  is  a  letter  of  thanks  to  Mr.  John 
Meads  which  was  presented  to  him  on  September  13, 
1823,  by  Mr.  Gourlay,  Mr.  Trowbridge  and  Mr.  Gott 

'  The  Rev.  Frederick  George  Mayer  was  pastor  of  the  First  Evan- 
gelical Lutheran  Church  from  1807  to  1842. 


Rectorship  of  Dr.  Lacey  235 

on  behalf  of  the  vestry  for  his  valuable  gift  of  a  "Com- 
munion table."  The  older  members  of  the  parish  can 
remember  this  "altar  table"  as  it  stood  at  the  head  of 
the  middle  alley  within  the  chancel  rails,  in  all  its  glory 
of  richly  veined  mahogany,  and  with  its  slab  of  dark 
Lake  Champlain  marble.  The  younger  generation  can 
contrast  it  with  the  present  dignified  stone  altar  and 
reredos.  It  is  now  reverently  used  in  the  vestry  room 
for  the  preparation  of  the  elements  for  the  Holy  Com- 
munion. The  vestry,  after  saying  that  gifts  are  always 
received  by  them  with  satisfaction,  express  their  adinira- 
tion  of  the  "communion  table"  for  its  "originality  of 
conception,  appropriateness  of  design,  elegance  of 
materials,  sublimacy  of  execution."  They  are  con- 
vinced that  "this  piece  of  architecture  exceeds  anything 
of  the  kind  we  have  seen."  The  marble  slab  was  given 
by  Mr.  John  W.  Yates.  The  vestry,  on  November 
21,  acknowledged  another  gift.  Mrs.  George  W. 
Mancius,  the  widow  of  a  gentlemen  who  had  been 
unobtrusively  liberal  during  a  long  connection  with  the 
parish,  presented  one  hundred  dollars  to  the  vestry  to 
be  used  in  any  way  they  thought  proper.  It  was  grate- 
fully received,  and  Mayor  Van  Rensselaer  and  Judge 
Duer  were  asked  to  convey  to  her  the  thanks  of  the 
vestry  and  present  a  letter  which  had  been  signed  on 
behalf  of  the  vestry,  by  the  rector.  At  the  same  meeting 
it  was  determined,  in  response  to  a  communication  from 
"his  honor,  the  Mayor"  asking  aid  for  the  sufferers 
in  Wiscasset  and  Alna,  Maine,  and  inclosing  a  circular 
from  the  selectmen  of  Wiscasset,  that  a  collection  be 
taken  up  in  the  church. 

The  method  of  heating  the  church  was  changed  at 
this  time.      The  old  box  stoves  which  had  been  in  use 


236  Saint  Peter's  Church 

for  many  years  and  which  came  from  the  Ancram  fur- 
nace about  1790,  had  given  place  to  the  tall  urn  stoves, 
for  burning  the  new  fuel,  anthracite  coal.  They  did 
not  prove  entirely  satisfactory  and  it  was  resolved  that 
two  large  box  stoves  be  put  up  "forthwith  in  the  Church, 
and  the  urn  stoves  set  up  in  the  vestibule." 

The  liberality  of  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  had  been 
shown  in  many  ways  during  a  long  series  of  years.  He 
was  a  generous  contributor  to  every  subscription.  The 
silver  alms  basons,  still  in  use,  were  presented  by  him. 
He  had  often  paid  insurance  premiums  upon  the 
church  edifice  and  rectory,  and  in  any  emergency  might 
be  relied  upon  for  both  good  advice  and  timely  aid. 
On  Christmas,  1823,  he  presented  a  silver  baptismal 
bowl,  which  has  been  in  constant  use  for  seventy-five 
years.  The  vestry  in  a  brief  note  of  thanks  accepted 
the  gift,  making  mention  of  the  donor's  repeated  liber- 
ality.^ Two  months  later  Mr.  Trowbridge  who  had 
been  commissioned  to  purchase  two  chairs  for  the 
chancel  which  would  "correspond  in  point  of  elegance 
with  the  communion  table"  and  "remove  the  four 
usually  placed  in  the  Chancel"  reported  that  the  chairs 
had  "been  obtained  without  expense  to  the  Church," 
for  which  he  received  the  thanks  of  the  vestry. 

Notwithstanding  these  evidences  of  interest  in  their 
parish  church  by  the  people  of  St.  Peter's,  there  was 
still  much  anxiety  as  to  financial  prospects.  The  vestry 
frequently  had  to  consider  the  necessity  for  temporary 
loans,  the  payment  of  former  loans,  the  renewal  of  old, 
and  the  making  of  new  and  more  advantageous  leases,  and 
the  delinquencies  of  tenants.  According  to  the  reports  to 
the  convention  and  the  evidence  of  the  parish  register, 

'  See  appendix. 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Lacey  237 

Mr.  Lacey  was  a  faithful  worker.  The  music  of  the 
parish  was  an  object  of  great  solicitude.  The  organ 
was  still  one  of  the  best  in  Northern  New  York,  and, 
while  there  were  numerous  changes  of  organists,  the 
choir  was  satisfactory  and  the  chants  and  hymns  well 
rendered.  It  was  a  style  of  music  that  now  would  not 
be  thought  entirely  worthy  of  the  Church,  but  it  was 
then  acceptable. 

On  September  25,  1824,  the  honored  senior  warden, 
Philip  S.  Van  Rensselaer  died  full  of  years  and  honors. 
The  vestry  on  September  27  resolved  to  attend  the 
funeral,  appointed  Dr.  Staats  a  committee  to  have  the 
church  put  in  mourning  and  sum  up  the  character  of 
their  associate  in  a  resolution  testifying  their  "veneration 
and  affection  for  his  character  and  memory  and  his 
generous,  constant  and  zealous  efforts  to  promote  the  best 
interests  of  the  Church  generally,  and  especially  the 
Congregation  of  which  he  was  a  member."  Judge 
Duer,  who  was  in  every  respect  qualified  for  the  duties 
of  the  position,  was  chosen  as  his  successor  at  a  special 
election  held  on  October  11,  1824. 

The  gratifying  announcement  was  made  in  July, 
1825,  that  all  the  pews  on  the  floor  of  the  church  were 
occupied.  It  was  suggested  that  it  was  "practicable  to 
erect  several  additional  pews  between  the  east  and  west 
aisle,  at  the  southern  extremity  of  the  Church."  This 
was  done  and  the  pew  committee  was  empowered  three 
weeks  later  to  rent  the  new  pews. 

The  condition  of  the  burial  ground  had  been  for  some 
years  a  source  of  dissatisfaction.  There  was  no  order 
or  system  in  the  interments,  and  many  persons  who  had 
no  claim  upon  the  Church  were  buried  there  without 
permission  being    sought   or   obtained.      A    committee 


238  Saint  Peter's  Church 

consisting  of  Mr.  Trowbridge  and  Mr.  Satterlee  was 
chosen  to  report  upon  the  matter.  After  taking  some 
weeks  for  investigation  they  presented  on  October  3, 
1825,  a  full  report.  They  describe  the  burial  ground  as 
a  "parallelogram  extending  429  feet  from  Deer  street  to 
Tiger  street,  and  1 80  feet  from  Snipe  street  to  the  burying 
ground  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church."  It 
was  capable  of  "being  laid  out  into  360  family  lots 
of  fourteen  feet  square,  and  a  horse  path  from  front 
to  rear  of  twelve  feet  wide."  Forty-six  family  plots 
had  been  "taken  up  and  located  by  individuals  in  an 
irregular  manner  and  a  great  number  of  single  graves 
scattered  over  the  greater  part  of  the  ground  without 
order  or  regularity. ' '  They  recommend  that  the  assign- 
ment of  lots  be  under  the  superintendence  of  the  vestry, 
that  a  charge  of  one  dollar  be  assessed  on  each  lot  when 
assigned,  and  a  further  assessment  of  a  dollar  a  year  be 
made  for  the  care  of  the  ground.  They  advise  the 
filling  up  of  a  deep  ravine  which  occupied  the  space  of 
one  hundred  and  ten  lots.  They  also  presented  a  map 
of  the  ground  laid  out  into  squares  of  fourteen  feet 
each,  a  horse  path  of  twelve  feet  extending  from  Deer 
street  to  Tiger  street,  and  the  exact  location  of  each  lot 
and  each  single  grave.  The  report  was  accepted  and 
Mr.  Trowbridge,  Mr.  Satterlee  and  Mr.  Cooper  were 
chosen  as  the  standing  committee  upon  the  cemetery. 

In  May,  1827,  the  condition  of  the  church  finances 
was  considered  by  the  vestry  as  critical.  A  report  from 
the  committee  of  finance  was  presented,  in  which  there 
were  stated  disbursements  amounting  to  $3,394.80  and 
receipts  of  13,493-73,  of  which  |i,300  were  from  tem- 
porary loans.  The  estimated  receipts  for  the  year  were 
$2,035,  ^^^  the  estimated  expenses  13,086.25,  leaving 


Rectorship  of  Dr.  Lacey  239 

a  deficit  of  $1,051.25,  of  which  a  portion  might  be  met 
by  subscriptions  of  individuals,  which  in  the  past  year 
had  been  $423.75.  It  considered  the  method  of  meet- 
ing this  discrepancy  between  income  and  expenses  and 
suggested  temporary  loans.  It  mentioned  the  two 
pieces  of  property  owned  by  the  church,  the  old  burying 
ground,  and  the  plot  on  the  East  side  of  the  public 
square.  It  gives  the  annual  rent  of  what  had  been 
leased  as  $1,050  and  the  pew  rents  at  $650. 
The  report  was  read,  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be 
printed. 

A  committee  was  then  appointed  to  consider  "the 
expediency  of  disposing  of  a  part  of  the  real-estate  of 
the  church  in  order  to  discharge  its  debts  and  increase 
its  annual  income."  Judge  Duer,  Mr.  Gourlay,  Mr. 
Stevenson,  Dr.  Staats  and  Mr.  Wells  were  chosen.  On 
May  23,  these  gentlemen  presented  their  report.  It  is 
very  careful  and  precise  in  its  statements,  goes  fully 
into  the  question  of  the  debt  of  the  parish  and  after 
explaining  how  that  debt  was  incurred,  proceeds  to 
point  out  what  in  their  opinion  was  the  proper  remedy. 
The  debt  was  then  four  thousand  and  six  hundred 
dollars.  One  thousand  dollars  due  on  a  bond  and 
mortgage  ''originally  executed  to  Samuel  C.  Farquhar, 
deceased,  and  by  him  assigned  to  John  W.  Yates, 
Esq.,  and  which  is  now  overdue  and  payable,"  a  second 
sum  "of  one  thousand  dollars  secured  in  like  manner 
to  John  W.  Yates,  and  which  became  due  on  the  first 
day  of  January,  last,  and  is  payable  upon  three  months' 
notice  given  to  that  effect  by  either  party;"  one  thou- 
sand dollars  due  to  James  Stevenson,  Nov.  i,  1828,  one 
thousand  five  hundred  dollars  to  the  Albany  Bible  and 
Common  Prayer  Book  Society,  due  April  i,  1831,  and 


240  Saint  Peter's  Church 

one  hundred  dollars  due  on  a  promissory  note  run- 
ning as  an  accommodation  at  one  of  the  Banks  of  the 
City." 

After  examining  the  statements  of  estimated  revenue 
and  expenses,  the  report  proceeds  to  show  how  several 
items  are  for  extraordinary  expenditures,  five  hundred 
dollars  being  the  cost  of  excavating  Eagle  street,  and 
two  hundred  and  eighty-two  dollars  being  the  amount 
of  interest  on  the  existing  debt.  The  income  of  the 
church  could  be  increased  "by  rendering  productive  the 
unoccupied  lots  and  disposing  of  the  pews  remaining 
unsold  and  unlet.  This  course  would  make  unnecessary 
any  temporary  loans  or  subscriptions  for  ordinary 
expenses.  Extraordinary  expenses  were  to  be  expected 
and  must  be  provided  for.  The  committee  then  exam- 
ines the  question  whether  the  present  system  shall  be 
continued  or  "Such  an  arrangement  of  the  affairs  of  the 
Church  be  effected  as  will  at  once  discharge  its  pres- 
ent debt,  render  new  loans  and  contributions  unneces- 
sary and  secure  a  sufficient  income  from  its  permanent 
resources,  to  meet  not  only  its  ordinary  expenses,  but 
also  the  extraordinary  disbursements  to  which  it  may  be 
liable?"  It  declares  without  hesitation  in  favor  of  a 
change,  and  "that  it  is  imprudent  to  draw  further  upon 
the  Capital  of  the  Church,  instead  of  relying  upon  its 
income  to  defray  its  annual  expenditures."  It  then 
examines  the  question  how  this  can  be  done,  and  decides 
that  the  only  course  is  to  dispose  of  some  portion  of  the 
real  estate  to  preserve  the  remainder.  It  discusses  the 
objection  that  might  be  raised  that  they  were  trustees 
for  posterity  as  well  as  for  the  present  generation,  and 
concludes  that  their  successors  cannot  be  prejudiced  by 
a  mode  of  procedure  which  would  leave  them  an   unin- 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Lacey  241 

cumbered  property.  The  rents  on  property  already 
leased  were  now  as  high  as  practicable.  The  sale 
of  a  portion  of  the  real  estate  seeming  to  the  com- 
mittee desirable,  it  recommended  that  the  five  lots  on 
Eagle  street  facing  the  Public  Square  be  offered  for  sale. 
The  sale  of  these  at  two  thousand  dollars  each,  reserv- 
ing a  rent  of  fifty  dollars  a  lot  would  not  only  discharge 
every  debt,  but  leave  a  surplus  of  five  thousand  dollars 
to  be  placed  at  interest,  and  thus  give  an  annual  bal- 
ance of  about  eighty-seven  dollars  over  the  estimated 
expenditures  of  twenty-three  hundred  and  four  dollars 
and  twenty-five  cents. 

The  vestry  was  divided  in  opinion,  six  being  in  favor 
of  and  three  opposed  to  the  sale ;  there  was  also  the  same 
division  upon  the  sale  of  the  perpetual  lease  of  the  lots. 
After  determining  that  the  northwest  corner  lot  should 
be  sold  for  not  less  than  $2500,  the  southwest  corner 
lot  for  not  less  than  $2250,  and  the  other  lots  at  $2000, 
the  vestry  adjourned.  On  the  day  appointed,  Mon- 
day, August  6,  no  bids  were  received  which  the  com- 
mittee, Mr.  Gourlay,  Dr.  Staats  and  Mr.  Stevenson, 
would  accept.  The  offers  did  not  exceed  $1800  for  any 
of  the  lots.  The  rent  reserved  was  regarded  as  exces- 
sive, and  the  committee  suggested  to  the  vestry  that  it 
allow  the  rent  to  be  reduced  to  five  dollars  and  that  the 
corner  lots  be  sold  at  $2600  or  any  larger  sum  that  may 
be  bid,  and  the  middle  lots  at  $2400.  This  was 
adopted,  and  on  Saturday,  September  i,  the  sale  was 
effected  of  three  of  the  lots  at  prices  somewhat  lower 
than  those  fixed  by  the  vestry.  Two  lots  for  which  bids 
were  made  were  not  sold  but  reserved.  In  this  manner 
the  financial  difficulties  of  the  parish  were  temporarily 
adjusted. 
16 


242  Saint  Peter's  Church 

In  the  summer  and  fall  of  this  year  a  congregation 
had  been  gathering  in  a  school-room  on  South  Pearl 
street  under  the  Rev.  Richard  Bury,  who  had  been  for 
five  years  at  Duanesburgh,  While  it  contained  some 
of  the  members  of  St.  Peter's,  it  was  largely  composed 
of  those  who  had  no  church  home  or  had  been  brought 
up  in  other  Christian  bodies.  Mr.  Bury  was  a  real 
missionary,  and  worked  without  expectation  of  any 
stated  salary.  His  success  warranted  the  organization 
of  a  parish,  for  which  the  necessary  consent  was  obtained 
from  the  rector  of  St.  Peter's.  On  the  evening  of 
Monday,  November  12,  1827,  in  the  school-room 
which  served  as  a  chapel,  St.  Paul's  Church  was  organ- 
ized. Edward  LeBreton  and  Thomas  Knowlson  were 
chosen  wardens,  and  Barent  P.  Staats,  Charles  Skerritt, 
John  LeBreton,  Hezekiah  Wells,  Bristol  Fox,  Agur 
Wells,  John  Nelliger  and  John  W.  McDougall 
were  chosen  as  vestrymen.  The  vestry  elected  the 
Rev.  Richard  Bury  as  rector.  He  served  for  three 
years  and  then  became  missionary  in  Michigan  Terri- 
tory, where  he  was  in  charge  of  St.  Paul's,  Detroit, 
and  afterwards  founded  Trinity  Church  in  the  same 
city. 

The  formation  of  St.  Paul's  does  not  seem  to  have 
decreased  the  strength  of  the  mother  parish.  The  city 
was  growing  and  St.  Peter's  was  filled  with  worshippers. 
The  records  show  that  the  pastoral  work  of  the  rector 
kept  him  very  busy.  From  this  time  there  was  com- 
panionship and  neighborly  kindness  between  the  rectors 
and  people  of  the  two  parishes,  and  a  friendly  rivalry 
in  all  good  works.  Although  vestrymen  of  St.  Paul's, 
Dr.  Staats  and  Mr.  Wells  do  not  seem  to  have  entirely 
severed    their    connection    with    St.    Peter's,     as    both 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Lacey  243 

remained  upon  its    vestry  and   assumed   responsibilities 
and  duties  which  they  carefully  performed. 

In  the  spring  of  1828,  Mr.  John  W.  Yates,  cashier 
of  the  New  York  State  Bank,  who  for  several  years  had 
been  a  member  of  the  vestry  and  active  in  all  parish 
affairs,  died.  The  vestry  passed  resolutions  of  affection 
and  respect. 

In  1829  the  two  remaining  lots  on  Eagle  street  were 
sold  to  the  corporation  of  the  City  of  Albany.  The 
purchase  price  was  five  thousand  dollars.  The  corpora- 
tion also  acquired  by  assignment  from  Messrs.  I.  and 
J.  Townsend,  the  former  purchasers,  the  title  to  the 
two  adjoining  lots.  The  payment  of  the  balance  due 
upon  them  and  the  price  of  the  two  lots  was  in  the  form 
of  a  bond  for  seven  thousand  dollars,  bearing  interest 
for  ten  years  at  six  per  cent.  Upon  these  lots  the  City 
Hall  was  built,  which  was  considered  a  model  of  beauty 
and  elegance. 

The  financial  condition  of  the  church  was  now  much 
better  than  in  previous  years.  The  congregation,  how- 
ever, was  still  unwilling  to  pay  larger  pew  rents,  and 
expenses  were  met  in  the  old  way  by  special  subscrip- 
tions and  gifts.  There  was  still  the  "temporary  loan" 
at  frequent  intervals.  In  the  late  summer  of  1830, 
there  was  a  movement  on  the  part  of  the  congregation 
for  a  better  provision  for  the  needs  of  the  Sunday  School 
and  week  day  services.  It  was  thought  that  a  suitable 
building  might  be  put  up  on  the  lot  between  the  church 
and  rectory.  A  committee,  Mr.  Croswell,  Mr.  Porter, 
and  Dr.  Staats,  was  appointed  on  August  31  to  con- 
sider the  matter  and  report  speedily.  On  September 
10,  they  presented  a  report  in  favor  "of  building  a 
Sunday  School  House  and  Lecture  Room  on  the  vacant 


244  Saint  Peter's  Church 

lot  adjoining  the  Church."  Mr.  Bamman  and  Dr. 
Staats  were  chosen  a  committee  to  procure  suitable  plans 
and  specifications. 

Before  this  committee  had  time  to  report,  the  diocese 
and  whole  American  Church  were  startled  and  grieved 
to  hear  that  on  Sunday,  September  12,  in  the  rectory  of 
St.  Peter's  Church,  Auburn,  the  Bishop  of  New  York, 
Dr.  John  Henry  Hobart,  had  died  after  a  brief  illness. 

The  diocese  now  as  never  before  knew  Bishop  Hobart 
as  a  true  and  faithful  bishop,  and  from  every  parish 
came  expressions  of  grief  and  affectionate  eulogy. 
The  vestry  of  St.  Peter's  met  on  Wednesday,  Sep- 
tember 15,  and  in  a  series  of  resolutions  lament 
"the  great  loss  which  they  and  the  cause  of  religion 
and  sound  learning  generally  sustained  in  the  decease 
of  the  Right  Rev'*  John  Henry  Hobart,  D.  D., 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State 
of  New  York."  They  say  they  participate  "in  the 
common  grief  caused  by  this  event."  They  recall  "his 
administration  of  the  government  of  the  Diocese  for 
more  than  nineteen  years  which  had  endeared  his  mem- 
ory to  our  hearts."  They  speak  of  the  bishop  as  being 
"eminent  in  the  ministrations  of  his  high  office  and 
adorning  the  Church  and  mankind  by  the  richest  men- 
tal and  spiritual  endowments."  They  declare  that  "in 
testimony  of  our  veneration  for  the  private  and  public 
character  of  our  late  beloved  Diocesan  we  will  cause  the 
Church  to  be  put  and  kept  in  mourning  for  the  space 
of  thirty  days."  A  copy  of  these  resolutions  was  to  be 
sent  "to  the  family  of  the  late  bishop." 

It  is  possible  that  members  of  Saint  Peter's  were 
among  those  who  witnessed  the  arrival  of  the  canal 
boat  bearing  the  body  of  the  venerated  prelate,  guarded 


Rectorship  of  Dr.  Lacey  245 

by  his  faithful  young  friends,  the  Reverend  Francis  K. 
Gumming  and  Thomas  Y.  Howe,  Jr.,  and  watched 
with  sorrowful  interest  its  transfer  to  the  steamer 
"Constellation"  for  the  sad  journey  down  the  Hudson. 

It  is  probable  that  Dr.  Lacey  and  several  of  the  ves- 
try were  among  those  who  on  Thursday  evening,  Sep- 
tember 17,  assembled  in  Trinity  church  for  the  solemn 
funeral  service  of  the  great-hearted  bishop. 

The  action  of  the  vestry  in  regard  to  the  building  of 
"a  Sunday  School  House"  was  reconsidered  on  Septem- 
ber 27.  A  committee,  Mr.  Gourlay,  Dr.  Staats,  Mr. 
Bamman  was  elected,  whose  duty  it  should  be  to  pro- 
cure plans  and  specifications  for  the  building  of  a  "rec- 
tory house  on  Maiden  lane,  on  the  rear  of  the  lot 
adjoining  and  belonging  to  the  Church  at  a  sum  not 
exceeding  three  thousand  dollars."  The  same  commit- 
tee was  also  charged  with  the  superintendence  of  "such 
alterations  in  the  present  rectory  house  as  shall  be  nec- 
essary for  the  accommodation  of  the  sexton,  and  for  a 
lecture  and  Sunday  school  rooms,  etc." 

Mr.  Croswell  and  Mr.  Trowbridge  were  chosen  to 
obtain  subscriptions,  and  the  building  committee  was 
directed  with  all  possible  dispatch  to  procure  plans  and 
enter  into  a  contract  for  the  new  rectory.  On  Septem- 
ber 30,  the  building  committee  reported  that  Brooks  and 
Platto  offered  to  build  the  new  rectory  for  the  sum  of 
twenty-six  hundred  dollars,  which  was  approved  and  a 
contract  ordered  to  be  entered  into  with  that  firm.  The 
subscription  committee  canvassed  the  parish  asking  for 
sums  to  be  paid  in  installments  for  a  term  of  five  years. 
The  largest  subscription  was  that  of  James  Stevenson, 
three  hundred  dollars.  The  whole  amount  thus  secured 
was  ten  hundred  and  forty-five  dollars. 


246  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The  new  rectory  was  finished  early  in  the  following 
year,  and  occupied  by  Dr.  Lacey  and  his  family.  It 
was  a  comfortable,  well  built  house  and  a  great  improve- 
ment upon  the  parsonage  which  had  been  for  nearly 
sixty  years  in  use. 

At  an  expense  of  about  two  hundred  dollars  the  old 
rectory  was  altered  into  suitable  rooms  for  the  sexton, 
Sunday  School  rooms,  and  a  convenient  lecture  room. 
There  was  an  informal  proposition  from  the  vestry 
that  the  rector  should  rent  the  second  story  for  a  school 
for  young  ladies  which  he  intended  opening.  Dr. 
Lacey  had  become  greatly  interested  in  the  higher  edu- 
cation of  women,  and  had  been  for  some  time  professor 
of  belle-lettres  in  the  Albany  Female  Academy.  After 
considering  the  rent  which  was  fixed  for  the  rooms  he 
sent,  on  December  20,  a  communication  to  the  vestry 
in  which  are  found  some  particulars  not  elsewhere 
recorded.  He  examines  the  proposition  made,  and, 
after  stating  the  cost  of  the  new  rectory  and  alterations, 
proceeds  to  offer  a  rent  of  sixty  dollars,  and  informs  the 
vestry  that  Mr.  Hendrickson  would  loan  for  five  years 
a  sum  sufficient  to  cover  the  deficiency  of  $1957  at 
the  then  low  interest  of  six  per  cent  which  would  be 
met  by  the  rent  he  would  pay  and  the  saving  of  the 
salary  paid  to  the  sexton.  The  rector's  proposal  was 
accepted  and  on  February  14,  1831,  two  thousand  dol- 
lars were  borrowed  from  John  Hendrickson  to  meet 
payments  then  due. 

In  the  early  spring  of  1831,  a  sad  afHIction  came  to 
the  rector  and  his  family.  His  faithful  and  devoted 
wife  died  on  Friday,  March  11.  There  was  through- 
out the  parish  a  widespread  sympathy  and  sincere  sor- 
row for  the  afflicted  family.      Mrs.  Lacey   was   in  her 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Lacey  247 

thirty-eighth  year,  and  ever  since  her  residence  in 
Albany  had  taken  an  active  part  in  all  the  work  done  by 
the  women  of  the  congregation.  The  vestry  held  a 
special  meeting  on  IVlarch  12,  when  resolutions  of  sym- 
pathy and  respect  were  adopted,  in  which  Mrs.  Lacey's 
"exemplary  piety,  amiable  character,  and  domestic  vir- 
tues" were  commended.  A  gift  of  one  hundred  dollars 
was  sent  to  the  rector. 

On  April  7,  1831,  when  the  vestry  met  for  organiza- 
tion, a  young  lawyer,  the  son  of  Mr.  John  Meads,  was 
chosen  as  secretary  of  the  vestry  and  attorney  to  the 
board.  Mr.  Orlando  Meads  at  this  time  began  his 
long  and  honorable  connection  with  the  parish.  The 
building  committee  were  authorized  at  this  same  meet- 
ing to  make  a  much  needed  improvement  of  the  church 
property.  It  had  been  without  any  suitable  fence.  The 
committee  was  instructed  to  inquire  into  the  cost  of  an 
iron  fence,  and  "present  plans  and  an  estimate  of  the 
expense."  The  committee  on  May  9  reported  that 
they  had  examined  various  patterns  of  iron  fence  and 
submitted  a  plan  of  one  which  they  thought  most  desira- 
ble. It  was  accepted  and  the  committee  directed  to  have 
the  fence  erected.  It  was  neat,  substantial  and  orna- 
mental, and  added  dignity  to  the  church  and  new  rec- 
tory house. 

The  parish  had  with  great  zeal  entered  into  the  plan 
of  building  a  new  rectory.  It  had  relied  upon  subscrip- 
tions which  were  not  as  large  as  had  been  expected. 
The  cost  had  exceeded  the  contract  price  by  two  hun- 
dred dollars.  The  treasurer's  report  presented  to  the 
Vestry  on  May  31,  showed  disbursements  of  $8,415.23, 
and  receipts  of  $8,524.99.  Of  this  amount  forty-seven 
hundred   dollars   had   been    borrowed.      The   estimated 


248  Saint  Peter's  Church 

income  for  the  year  183 1-2  was  13,719.43,  and  the 
expense  $4,562.75,  including  the  new  iron  fence  and  the 
digging  down  the  lots  on  High  street.  The  report  was 
accepted  but  no  definite  action  taken  upon  the  method 
of  meeting  the  deficit.  In  the  autumn  a  sale  was  made 
of  three  lots  on  High  street  for  eight  hundred  dollars, 
and  in  the  following  spring  two  thousand  dollars  were 
borrowed. 

Other  affairs  of  the  parish  than  its  finances  were  now 
being  conisdered.  For  some  months  the  harmony  and 
good  will  that  had  been  so  apparent  in  the  earlier  years 
of  Dr.  Lacey's  rectorship  had  been  lacking.  There 
seems  to  have  been  no  special  ground  of  complaint. 
Perhaps  the  rector's  duties  as  a  teacher  interfered  with 
his  parochial  obligations,  or  his  domestic  bereavement 
weighed  upon  him  so  heavily  that  he  was  unable  to  do 
what  he  had  done  previously  for  the  upbuilding  of  the 
parish.  There  does  not  seem  to  have  been  any  violent 
or  open  opposition. 

Coldness  and  indifference  had  taken  the  place  of  cor- 
diality and  interest,  and  there  was  a  feeling  that  a 
change  in  the  rectorship  was  desirable.  Many  clergymen 
then  considered  that  the  incumbency  of  a  parish  with  the 
wealth  and  standing  of  St.  Peter's  should  be  a  life  tenure. 
In  the  course  of  the  negotiations  with  the  rector  he  made 
certain  conditions,  on  the  fulfillment  of  which  he  would 
place  his  resignation  in  the  hands  of  the  vestry.  It  was 
understood  that  one  thousand  dollars  were  to  be  sub- 
scribed by  the  congregation  and  a  similar  sum  pledged 
by  the  vestry,  which  Dr.  Lacey  was  to  receive  in  addition 
the  amount  of  money  expended  by  him  in  repairs  upon 
the  lecture  room  and  permanent  fixtures  in  the  rectory. 
On  April  18,  1832,  a  communication  from   Dr.    Lacey 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Lacey  249 

was  read  tendering  his  resignation.  It  was  promptly 
accepted,  the  sum  of  two  thousand  dollars  was  tendered 
"on  the  part  of  this  Vestry  to  the  Rev'  Dr.  Lacey,"  he 
was  granted  the  use  of  the  Rectory  House  and  the 
school  rooms  for  six  months  from  the  first  of  May,  free 
of  rent.  Mr.  Gourlay,  Mr.  Buckbee  and  Dr.  Staats 
were  appointed  to  wait  upon  the  rector  with  a  copy  of 
these  resolutions,  authenticated  by  the  signatures  of  the 
senior  warden  and  secretary.  It  was  a  very  great  sur- 
prise for  the  vestry  to  learn  at  a  meeting  held  two  days 
later,  on  Good  Friday,  that  the  signature  of  the  rector 
had  not  been  appended  to  the  communication  from  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Lacey  containing  his  resignation.  As  it  had 
been  requested  "that  the  whole  arrangement  of  the  res- 
ignation might  be  brought  to  a  close  during  the  present 
week,"  Mr.  Gourlay  and  Mr.  Dibble  were  appointed  a 
committee  to  call  upon  the  rector  forthwith,  "request- 
ing him  to  sign  the  said  communication  to  the  end  that 
a  suitable  answer  may  be  sent  to  the  same,  and  that  the 
congregation  may  meet  in  Christian  fellowship  on  the 
coming  Sabbath."  On  their  return  Mr.  Gourlay 
reported,  that  the  rector  "asked  for  the  letter  of  resig- 
nation, which  Mr.  Gourlay  handed  to  him,  he  then  put 
the  communication  in  his  pocket  and  refused  to  sign  or 
give  back  the  same."  A  meeting  of  the  vestry  was 
held  on  Easter  Monday,  April  23,  when  a  resolution 
was  adopted  rescinding  the  action  of  April  18,  "as  the 
negotiation  entered  into  between  the  rector  and  vestry 
of  St.  Peter's  Church  has  not  been  consummated." 

At  the  election  on  the  following  day  other  wardens 
and  six  new  vestrymen  were  chosen.  The  first  business 
that  claimed  their  attention  was  the  unfulfilled  promise 
of    resignation     by     Dr.     Lacey.      A    committee    was 


250  Saint  Peter's  Church 

appointed  to  ascertain  the  status  of  the  subscriptions 
already  made  and  to  receive  further  subscriptions  if  nec- 
essary. The  vestry  pledged  one  thousand  dollars  to  be 
paid  to  the  rector  "when  the  like  sum  of  one  thousand 
dollars  shall  be  raised  by  subscription  for  the  same  pur- 
pose." Mr.  Croswell,  Mr.  Hurd,  Mr.  Porter  and 
Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  were  appointed  to  draft  a  letter 
"expressive  of  the  sense  of  the  Vestry,  of  the  high 
worth  of  the  Rev''  Rector  and  of  their  unabated  regard 
for  him."  The  committee  on  subscriptions  reported 
that  many  of  the  subscribers  were  unwilling  to  renew 
their  subscriptions  unless  the  members  of  the  present 
vestry  should  previously  subscribe.  The  senior  warden, 
Mr.  Stevenson,  and  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  wait  upon  the  "Reverend  Rector"  and 
inform  him,  that  the  sum  of  two  thousand  dollars  had 
been  appropriated  by  the  vestry  to  be  paid  to  him 
whenever  he  resigned  the  rectorship,  that  he  was  granted 
the  free  use  for  six  months  of  the  rectory  house  and 
school  rooms,  and  that  an  equitable  allowance  would  be 
made  to  him  for  fixtures  which  he  had  erected. 

On  May  4,  the  senior  warden  reported  that  the  com- 
mittee had  waited  upon  the  Rev.  Dr.  Lacey,  communi- 
cated to  him  the  resolution  of  the  vestry,  and  had 
received  from  him  a  letter  of  resignation.  This  was 
read  to  the  vestry,  and  a  reply,  drawn  up  by  the  com- 
mittee previously  appointed,  was  approved  and  ordered 
to  be  sent  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Lacey. 

The  letter  of  Dr.  Lacey  is  dated  on  May  4,  and 
addressed  "To  the  Wardens  and  vestrymen  of  St.  Peter's 
Church,  Albany."  It  speaks  in  its  opening  paragraph 
of  "Circumstances  now  unnecessary  to  enumerate" 
which  led  the  writer  to  determine  "to  resign  the  rector- 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Lacey  251 

ship  of  St.  Peter's  church,  when  a  suitable  opportunity 
should  occur;  that  opportunity  I  think  has  now 
arrived,  and  I  accordingly  tender  you  my  resignation." 
He  dwells  upon  the  "great  magnitude  of  my  sacrifice" 
and  the  loss  "of  amiable,  liberal  and  pious  friends" 
and  "a  position  which  in  many  respects  ranks  with  the 
first  in  this  or  any  other  country."  But  he  cheerfully 
makes  "this  and  every  other  sacrifice  necessary  to  the 
prosperity  of  St.  Peter's  Church."  He  alludes  to  the 
work  of  his  fourteen  years  of  ministry  in  Albany,  the 
disorganized  and  unhappy  condition  of  the  congrega- 
tion, the  dilapidation  of  the  church  edifice,  rectory  and 
other  buildings,  and  contrasts  it  with  their  present 
appearance.  "The  Church  edifice  is  finished,  beauti- 
fied and  in  perfect  order,  a  substantial  and  commodious 
Rectory  house,  delightful  in  its  location,  has  been 
erected,  a  lecture  room,  rooms  for  Sunday  and  parochial 
schools  and  accommodations  for  the  sexton's  family  are 
also  provided."  He  declares  the  income  of  the  church 
"to  be  nearly  if  not  quite  equal  to  her  current  expenses," 
and  that  more  than  two  hundred  and  fifty  individuals 
have  been  added  to  the  communion.  He  is  comforted 
by  the  assurance  that  a  large  majority  of  the  congrega- 
tion are  entirely  friendly  to  him,  and  closes  with  a 
prayer  for  the  welfare  of  the  parish  and  an  assurance  of 
personal  regard  for  the  vestry. 

The  reply  from  the  vestry  is  no  less  courteous  in 
tone.  It  declares  that  the  regret  with  which  they 
received  the  rector's  letter  grew  out  of  fourteen  years  of 
church  fellowship  and  the  intimate  relations  which  were 
thus  created.  They  state  the  results  of  Dr.  Lacey's 
rectorship,  the  depressed  state  of  the  parish  when  he 
came  to  Albany,  and  contrast  it  with  "its  present  favored 


252  Saint  Peter's  Church 

condition."  They  "forbear  to  allude  to  the  causes 
which  have  led  to  a  separation  under  such  circum- 
stances" and  commend  the  rector's  high  devotion  to  the 
interests  of  the  church.  The  manner  in  which  "the 
proffer  of  this  act  of  conciliation"  was  made  has 
endeared  him  to  them.  They  ask  for  his  prayers  in 
this  exigency,  and  with  the  assurances  of  unalterable 
respect  and  esteem  and  their  prayers  as  individuals  and 
as  representatives  of  the  parish,  they  conclude  the  epis- 
tle. The  letter  was  transmitted  to  Dr.  Lacey  by  Mr. 
Stevenson,  Mr.  Croswell  and  Mr.  Hurd.  Dr.  Lacey 
was  asked  to  officiate  in  St.  Peter's  "whenever  there 
is  a  vacancy  while  he  remains  in  the  City."  With  the 
payment  of  the  sum  agreed  upon  as  a  compensation  and 
for  improvements  on  the  rectory  amounting  to  twenty- 
three  hundred  and  seven  dollars  and  twenty-seven  cents, 
one  of  the  longest  rectorships  in  the  history  of  the  par- 
ish, and  one  which,  in  many  respects,  was  eminently 
successful,  terminated.  The  former  rector  remained  in 
Albany  until  late  in  the  fall  when  he  removed  to  Pitts- 
burgh, Pennsylvania,  and  during  the  remainder  of  his 
life  was  an  active  and  successful  teacher  of  young 
women.  His  life  was  prolonged  to  more  than  four 
score  years,  and  was  spent  principally  in  the  south, 
where  he  acquired  honors  and  distinction.' 

'  A  sketch  of  Dr.  Lacey  will  be  found  in  the  appendix. 


CHAPTER  XI 

RECTORSHIP  OF  DR.   HORATIO  POTTER 

The  call  and  declination  of  the  Rev.  Henry  J.  Whitehouse,  1832. — 
The  call  and  declination  of  the  Rev.  Henry  W.  Dacachet,  1832. — 
The  call,  acceptance,  and  institution  of  the  Rev.  Horatio  Potter, 
1833. — Sale  of  the  High  Street  property,  1835. — Renovation  of  the 
Church  and  purchase  of  a  new  organ. — Report  of  the  parish  treasurer, 
Mr.  Orlando  Meads,  on  church  finances,  1836. — The  Rev.  Clement 
M.  Butler,  Assistant  to  the  Rector,  1836. — Mr.  Potter's  Letter  on 
Offerings  for  Missions  and  General  Objects,  1836. — Increasing  financial 
embarrassment,  i  837-1 842. — Organization  of  Trinity  Church,  1839. 
— Plan  and  Statement  concerning  increased  pew  rents  issued  by  the 
Vestry,  1842. — Sale  of  a  portion  of  the  church  lands,  1843. — Sale 
of  the  remainder  of  the  church  lands,  1845. — The  Rev.  Mr.  Potter 
in  Europe,  and  the  Rev.  Maunsell  Van  Rensselaer  in  charge,  1845. — 
Organization  of  Grace  Church,  1846. — Lot  on  which  St.  Peter's  was 
built  sold  for  an  unpaid  assessment,  1847. — New  rectory  built,  1847. 
— Plan  for  redemption  of  the  church  lot  adopted,  1849. — Building 
of  the  Memorial  Church  of  the  Holy  Innocents,  1850. — Dr.  Potter 
elected  and  consecrated  Provisional  Bishop  of  New  York,  1854. — 
His  resignation  of  St.  Peter's,  1854. 

ON  May  4,  1832,  the  vestry  appointed  the  Hon. 
James  Stevenson  and  Mr.  Edwin  Croswell,  the 
wardens,  and  Mr.  Philip  S.  Van  Rensselaer  a  commit- 
tee "on  the  subject  of  procuring  a  rector,  for  St.  Peter's 
Church."  It  was  about  this  time  that  the  late  Dr. 
Joseph  H.  Price  and  other  well  known  clergymen  offi- 
cated  at  St.  Peter's.  Dr.  Price  gives  this  pleasant 
reminiscence  of  his  first  visit  to  Albany: 

"In  the  year  I  think,  1832,  on  a  tour  of  parish  hunt- 
ing, not  a  very  uncommon  employment  for  clergymen 


254  Saint  Peter's  Church 

in  those  days,  but  more  honored  in  the  breach  than  in 
the  observance  at  any  time,  I  found  myself  in  Albany, 
casting  a  wishful  eye  towards  the  then  vacant  rectorship 
of  St.  Peter's.  Nor  was  I  alone  on  this  business.  The 
Rev.  Professor  Hare  of  Philadelphia,  the  son-in-law  of 
Bishop  Hobart,  and  father  of  our  admirable  Bishop  of 
the  Indian  Department  of  Missions,  was  also  in  the 
same  category. 

"Our  intercourse  was  of  the  most  pleasant  character. 
We  have  never  met  since  but  I  have  never  forgotten 
him,  for  he  did  much  to  relieve  the  embarrassment  of 
my  position,  and  I  have  recognized  in  his  son  the 
Bishop,  the  same  artless  and  hearty  style  of  address  that 
seems  to  make  everybody  at  home.  Not  a  studied  dig- 
nity encased  in  ice,  but  a  good,  old  fashioned  welcome. 
I  preached  on  a  Wednesday  evening  to  a  small  congre- 
gation, as  it  was  at  a  season  when  many  were  absent. 
I  was  to  preach  again  on  the  next  Sunday  morning,  but 
on  Saturday  I  was  so  ill  as  to  require  the  services  of  a 
physician,  and  of  course  failed  to  appear.  I  found, 
however,  that  an  arrangement  with  the  present  Bishop 
of  New  York  had  so  far  progressed  that  the  vestry  could 
not  honorably  entertain  any  interruption.  I  only  men- 
tion this  as  a  clew  to  my  subsequent  call  to   St.    Paul's. 

I  formed  on  this  visit  many  pleasant  friendships  in 
St.  Peter's,  some  of  which  continue  to  this  day.  Some 
are  closed  to  be  renewed  in  another  and  better  world."* 

The  Rev.  Henry  J.  Whitehouse,  rector  of  St.  Luke's 
Church,  Rochester,  and  afterward  Bishop  of  Illinois, 
was  invited  on  September  25th,  1832,  to  accept  the 
rectorship.      No  formal   response   seems   to    have   been 

'  Sermon  of  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Price,  Semi-Centennial  of  St.  Paul's, 
Albany,  (Albany,   1877),  p.  22. 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  255 

returned  by  Mr.  Whitehouse,  but  he  evidently  preferred 
to  remain  in  Rochester.^  The  Rev.  Henry  W.  Duca- 
chet,  then  of  Norfolk,  Virginia,  and  for  many  years 
rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Philadelphia,  was  called 
as  rector  on  December  19th,  1832.  He  sent  a  formal 
declination  of  the  call  on  January  17th,  1833.- 

Much  of  the  pastoral  work  during  the  vacancy  was 
done  by  the  Rev.  William  L.  Keese,  the  rector  of  St. 
Paul's  Church,  who,  although,  in  feeble  health,  still 
kept  at  work.  "He  was,"  says  one  who  knew  him 
well,  "one  of  those  rare  spirits  we  commonly  denomi- 
nate 'nature's  noblemen,'  but  as  I  love  to  trace  all  that 
is  good  in  man  to  the  great  first  cause  of  all  things, 
I  think  his  patent  of  nobility  was  from  Divine  grace. 
He  had  no  sympathy  with  anything  mean,  suspicious 
or  contemptible.      His  piety  was  robust  and  manly.  "^ 

The  parish  appreciated  his  cheerful  readiness  to 
answer  any  call  to  the  sick  or  afflicted,  and  sent  him  a 
New  Year's  gift,  the  sum  of  fifty  dollars,  which  he 
acknowledged  in  a  gracefully  worded  note  preserved  in 
the  archives. 

The  period  of  waiting  was  nearly  over.  On  January 
17th,  1833,  it  was  resolved  unanimously  "that  the  Rev. 
Horatio  Potter  of  Hartford,  Connecticut,  be  invited  to 
accept  the  rectorship  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  with  a  salary 
of  fourteen  hundred  dollars  per  annum  and  the  use  of 
the  rectory  house;  and  that  the  wardens  be  requested  to 
transmit  this  invitation  to  Mr.  Potter."  He  was  in 
the  full  maturity  of  his  splendid  powers,  he  knew 
Albany  and  its  people  and  was  destined  to  be   one  of 

'  See  appendix. 
"  See  appendix. 
'  Dr.  Price's  Sermon,  St.  Paul's  Semi-Centennial,  p.  24. 


256  Saint  Peter's  Church 

the  most  honored  and  distinguished  of  the  rectors  of 
St.  Peter's. 

Mr.  Potter's  acceptance  was  announced  on  February 
27th,  1833,  and  on  Arpil  ist,  a  letter  from  the  rector- 
elect  was  read  in  the  vestry  meeting,  requesting  that,  if 
agreeable  to  them,  the  iith  of  May  be  the  day  for  his 
institution.  The  vestry,  through  the  senior  warden, 
the  Hon.  James  Stevenson,  answered  that  they  assented 
to  the  choice  of  that  day. 

After  the  solemn  investiture  with  his  office  as  rector, 
in  the  service  of  institution  on  Saturday,  May  11,  1833, 
Mr.  Potter  entered  earnestly  upon  his  work.  The  ser- 
mon preached  by  him  on  Sunday,  the  day  after  his 
institution,  in  which  he  dwelt  upon  the  reciprocal  duties 
of  pastor  and  people,  was  requested  for  publication  by 
the  vestry.  Mr.  Croswell,  Mr.  Dix  and  Mr.  Van 
Rensselaer  were  appointed  a  committee  to  present  the 
resolution  to  the  rector  and  to  "take  measures  for  the 
publication  of  the  said  sermon."  Few  copies  of  it  are 
now  extant. 

The  new  rector  gained  the  respect  and  regard  of  all 
his  parishioners.  His  sermons  were  marked  by  vigor 
of  thought,  purity  of  style  and  elegance  of  diction. 
He  read  the  service  with  impressiveness  and  dignity. 
He  was  careful  and  punctilious  in  every  detail  of  his 
public  and  private  ministrations.  He  began  his  minis- 
try before  the  great  Catholic  revival  which  followed 
the  Oxford  movement.  The  American  Church  was 
overshadowed  by  religious  systems  which  were  power- 
fully organized  and  had  a  large  following.  It  was 
engaged  in  a  struggle  for  existence.  Its  clergymen  were 
the  leaders  of  a  small  fraction  of  the  American  people. 
While  they  did  not  ignore  the   "outward  and  visible" 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  257 

they  were  more  concerned  for  the  "inward  and  spirit- 
ual," and  put  their  emphasis  on  "vital  religion,"  a 
phrase  then  very  popular. 

The  church  buildings  were,  generally,  like  St.  Peter's, 
modeled  after  Wren's  masterpieces  or  copied  from  Gre- 
cian temples.  The  celebrations  of  the  Holy  Commun- 
ion were  infrequent  and  the  altar  was  inconspicuous. 
The  Sunday  services  were  usually  morning  prayer  and  a 
sermon,  and  evening  prayer  and  a  lecture  in  the  after- 
noon. The  pulpit  towered  above  the  prayer  desk  and 
the  altar.  The  pastor  preached  in  all  the  funereal  splen- 
dour of  a  black  silk  gown  and  black  kid  gloves.  The 
clerk,  a  survival  from  the  forgotten  days  when  men  and 
boys  sang  the  services,  and  were  led  by  a  precentor,  sat 
in  placid  grandeur  in  his  place  below  the  prayer  desk, 
or  at  its  side.  To  him  the  duty  of  responding,  of 
announcing  the  psalm  and  hymn,  and  the  declaring  of 
the  bans  of  marriage  and  other  notices  was  assigned.  In 
a  small  railed  space  below  the  clerk's  desk  was  the  altar, 
a  small  table,  sometimes  solid,  but  oftener  with  four 
honest  legs,  and  usually  called  "the  communion  table." 
This  arrangement  exalted  the  prophetical  above  the 
priestly  office  and  perhaps  conduced  to  the  cultivation 
of  forcible  and  graceful  pulpit  oratory. 

Mr.  Potter  at  once  introduced  into  the  services  of 
the  parish  a  better  quality  of  music,  and  among  the 
first  fruits  of  his  ministry  was  the  purchase  of  a  new 
organ.  The  first  action  of  the  vestry  was  on  January 
29th,  1834,  when  it  was  "Resolved;  that  the  music 
committee^  be  requested  to  make  inquiries  and  report  to 
the  vestry  the  terms  upon  which  the  present  organ  can 
be  exchanged  for  a  new  and  superior  one,  and  the  sum 

'  Messrs.  Herman  Leonard,  Leverett  Cruttenden  and  John  S.  Walsh. 
17 


258  Saint  Peter's  Church 

which  can  be  procured  for  that  purpose  by  voluntary 
contributions."  In  February,  1835,  Messrs.  Leonard, 
Gott  and  Walsh  were  appointed  a  committee  to  contract, 
on  the  best  terms  possible,  "with  the  Messrs.  Hook  of 
Boston  for  a  new  organ  and  take  the  old  organ  in  part 
payment  thereof." 

On  the  sixteenth  of  the  same  month,  Mr.  Leonard, 
on  behalf  of  the  committee,  concluded  a  contract  with 
those  well  known  organ  builders  "for  $2000  and  the 
old  organ."  It  was  a  sweet  toned  instrument  and  gave 
satisfaction  to  the  congregation.  The  vestry,  when  the 
organ  was  completed  and  set  up  in  January,  1836, 
resolved  that  they  "deem  it  due  to  the  Messrs.  Hook 
to  give  them  a  certificate  signed  by  the  members  of  the 
vestry  expressive  of  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  vestry 
with  the  manner  in  which  the  Messrs.  Hook  have  ful- 
filled their  contract."  It  served  admirably  the  needs  of 
the  parish  until  the  building  of  the  present  church. 

With  the  building  of  a  new  organ  came  the  desire  for 
a  complete  renovation  of  the  church,  and  on  April  6th, 
1835,  Messrs.  Gourlay  and  Gott,  and  Dillon,  a  com- 
mittee previously  appointed,  reported  upon  the  repairs 
that  should  be  made,  and  it  was  resolved  by  the  vestry 
"to  cause  the  whole  of  the  flooring  and  the  pews  to  be 
taken  up,  altered  and  thoroughly  repaired,  the  new 
flooring  to  be  laid  on  an  inclined  plane,  descending 
twelve  inches  from  the  door  to  the  pulpit,  the  ceilings 
to  be  whitened,  the  walls,  pews  and  whole  interior  of 
the  Church  to  be  painted  in  a  suitable  manner,  trans- 
parencies to  be  prepared  and  placed  in  the  windows  on 
each  side  of  the  pulpit,  a  new  pulpit  to  be  constructed, 
and  a  vestry  room  in  the  rear  thereof  to  be  built  in  the 
alley  between  the  Church  and  the  old  Rectory,   and  to 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  259 

communicate  with  the  Church  by  a  door  behind  the 
pulpit,  and  a  full  set  of  lamps  for  the  Church  and  pulpit 
to  be  procured  and  hung." 

Two  weeks  later  that  part  of  the  resolution  concern- 
ing the  slope  of  the  floors  was  rescinded,  and  the  com- 
mittee ordered  to  repair  thoroughly  the  floor  and  sills. 

Mr.  Potter's  health,  which  was  never  robust,  had 
become  impaired  by  his  close  attention  to  his  duties. 
This  was  noticed  with  regret  by  the  parish,  and,  on 
June  1st,  1835,  °^  motion  of  Mr.  Sanford  Cobb,  it  was 
"Resolved,  that  the  vestry  taking  into  consideration 
the  arduous  duties  and  the  feeble  health  of  the  Rev'd 
Rector  do  respectfully  request,  that  during  the  suspen- 
sion of  Divine  Service  in  this  Church  by  reason  of  the 
contemplated  repairs  and  improvements  therein,  he  will 
refrain  as  much  as  he  can  with  propriety  from  all  min- 
isterial labors,  and  use  such  means  as  he  may  deem  best 
calculated  to  re-establish  his  health,  and  prepare  him  for 
resuming  his  useful  labors  among  us  upon  the  reopen- 
ing of  the  Church." 

The  rector  acted  upon  the  advice  and  spent  the  sum- 
mer in  foreign  travel,  partly  on  the  continent  of  Europe, 
but  principally  in  England.  He  carried  letters  to  sev- 
eral eminent  English  and  Scottish  Churchmen  and 
others,  including  Bishop  Skinner,  John  Keble,  Dr. 
Chalmers  and  the  famous  preacher,  Mr.  Simeon.  He 
then  formed  some  life  long  friendships  which  were 
maintained  by  correspondence. 

Three  thousand  dollars  was  set  as  the  amount  to  be 
secured  for  the  purchase  of  the  organ  and  the  contem- 
plated repairs.  It  was,  however,  insufficient,  and  on 
June  30th,  1835,  nine  of  the  church  lots  on  High 
street   were    sold    to    Henry    G.   Wheaton,    Esq'r,  for 


26o  Saint  Peter's  Church 

$6000,  two  thousand  dollars  of  which  were  to  be  paid 
in  cash. 

With  a  strange  disregard  for  associations  with  the 
past,  the  vestry  instructed  the  committee  on  repairs  in 
July,  1835,  to  "ascertain  on  what  terms  the  present 
church  bell  can  be  exchanged,  and  one  of  not  less  than 
2200  pounds  be  procured  and  hung."  A  plan  for  a  new 
pulpit  submitted  by  Mr.  John  Meads,  one  of  the  oldest 
and  most  respected  members  of  the  parish,  was  at  this 
time  adopted. 

In  the  admirable  memoir  of  his  father,  Gen.  John  A. 
DIx,  the  rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  thus 
pleasantly  describes  the  chancel  of  St.  Peter's: 

"No  such  arrangement  of  chancel  was  ever  heard  of, 
to  the  best  of  my  belief,  before  or  since.  What  seemed 
to  be  two  squarish  tubs  of  mahogany,  with  fronts  shaped 
like  the  dash-board  of  a  sleigh,  projected  from  the  wall 
precisely  alike  in  shape  and  size;  their  farther  advance 
upon  the  congregation  was  restrained  by  a  stout  rail 
which  kept  them  m,  and  left  room  in  the  midst  for  a 
'Communion  table;'  in  these  alternately  the  service  was 
read  and  the  sermon  preached."^ 

Lamps  of  a  new  and  better  design  were  introduced  at 
this  time,  at  a  cost  of  $450,  for  the  chancel  and  body 
of  the  church.  The  old  "Liverpool  lamps"  as  they 
were  styled,  were  given  to  Christ  Church,  Ballston, 
and  the  astral  and  other  lamps  not  required  for  the  lec- 
ture room  and  church  were  ordered  to  be  sold. 

A  few  persons  still  living  can  remember  that  the 
church  was  dimly   lighted  by  a  few  lamps  and  by  can- 

'  Memoirs  of  John  Adams  Dix,  compiled  by  his  son,  Morgan  Dix. 
Illustrated;  in  two  volumes;  p.  i6i,vol.  I.  New  .York,  Harper  & 
Brothers,  Franklin  Square,  1883. 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  261 

dies  set  in  sockets  attached  to  each  pew.  These  candles 
were  not  always  provided  at  the  expense  of  the  parish 
but  by  individuals.  It  was  a  common  sight  in  the  days 
before  slavery  was  abolished  in  Albany,  to  see  the  slaves 
of  the  wealthier  members  of  the  congregation  gravely 
marching  to  the  church  bearing  candles,  properly  plac- 
ing and  lighting  them,  and  then  mounting  the  gallery 
stairs  to  the  second  gallery  immediately  under  the  roof, 
which  was  built  for  their  use,  and  after  service,  remov- 
ing the  candles,  carefully  extinguishing  them  and  then 
lighting  their  torches  or  lanterns  to  escort  their  masters 
and  mistresses  home.  To  courteously  allow  one's  light 
to  shine  for  those  who  had  none  of  their  own  was 
among  the  kindly  acts  of  the  high-bred  dames  who  wor- 
shipped at  St.  Peter's  in  the  earlier  days  of  this  century. 
Several  curious  details  of  the  repairs  can  be  learned 
from  the  minutes.  The  committee  ordered  that  "in 
case  the  owners  of  the  pews  on  the  ground  floor  con- 
sent to  pay  the  expense  of  stuffing  and  covering  the 
backs  of  their  pews,  to  have  the  same  done,  and  also 
cause  the  pews  belonging  to  the  Church  to  be  stuffed  in 
the  same  manner  as  the  others."  The  pews  were 
ordered  to  be  painted  a  dark  blue,  the  walls  "with  oil 
paint  of  such  colors  as  the  Committee  on  Repairs  shall 
deem  most  suitable,"  and  the  glass  of  the  two  north 
windows  white.  The  painting  of  the  interior  of  the 
church  was  well  done,  with  materials  of  the  best  quality, 
by  Ira  Porter  for  I826.55.  As  a  reminder  of  the 
proper  postures  for  prayer,  kneeling  boards  or  benches 
were,  "if  practicable,  to  be  placed  in  every  pew."  Two 
additional  mahogany  chairs  were  purchased  for  "the 
altar"  for  $30.00,  and  a  brussels  carpet  and  kneeling 
cushions  were  provided  for  the  chancel,  and  new  carpets 


262  Saint  Peter's  Church 

for  the  aisles.  Stoves  were  purchased,  and  the  long 
pipes  extended  across  the  body  of  the  church,  with  pans 
beneath  at  every  joint.  The  repairs  were  completed  in 
the  latter  part  of  the  autumn  and  the  church  re-opened. 
After  the  long  suspension  of  services  the  people  of  the 
parish  were  glad  to  worship  once  more  in  a  building 
whose  interior  to  them  seemed  appropriate  and  hand- 
some. The  present  generation  would  undoubtedly  con- 
demn it,  and  declare  that  it  was  "simply  and  merely 
frightful."^  It  is  traditional  that  the  rector's  text  for 
the  first  sermon  preached  in  the  restored  church  was: 
"This  shall  be  my  rest  forever."  A  not  inapt  illusion 
some  have  thought  to  the  resemblance  of  the  new  read- 
ing desk  and  pulpit  to  the  French  bedsteads  just  then 
coming  into  use. 

In  March,  1836,  the  financial  condition  of  the  parish 
caused  grave  anxiety  and  distress.  The  pews,  which 
had  been  sold  at  low  rates  when  the  church  was  built  in 
1803,  with  small  ground  rents  reserved  upon  them,  for 
many  years  had  not  afforded  a  sufficient  revenue.  The 
property  still  remaining  had  been  leased  for  long  terms. 
Taxes,  assessments,  insurance  and  repairs  were  not  met 
by  the  income.  Any  increase  of  pew  rents  was  stoutly 
resisted,  and  few  were  ready  to  subscribe  adequately  to 
the  support  of  the  church.  The  proceeds  of  previous 
sales  had  been  applied  to  present  needs.  There  was  no 
reserve  fund  in  the  parish.  Under  these  circumstances 
a  meeting  of  the  congregation  was  authorized  on 
March  9th,  1836,  by  the  Vestry  "to  meet  in  the  lec- 
ture room  on  Monday  next,  at  4  P.  M." 

That  ways  and  means  were  discussed  is  evident  from 
the  action  of    the  vestry,    who  referred   "the  report  of 

'  Memoir  of  Gen.  Dix,  vol.  1,  p.  161. 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  263 

the  Committee  appointed  by  the  congregation  to  the 
Treasurer,  with  instructions  to  make  a  full  report  in 
accordance  with  the  recommendation  of  said  committee. 

Mr.  Orlando  Meads  was  then  the  treasurer.  He 
made  a  full  and  elaborate  report  which  was  printed.  In 
it  he  reviews  the  financial  history  of  the  parish  from 
1 8 16.  A  loan  of  sixteen  hundred  dollars  from  the 
State  School  Fund  in  181  8,  he  considers  the  commence- 
ment of  the  pecuniary  embarrassment  of  the  parish. 

While  there  had  been  spasmodic  efforts  to  entirely 
cancel  the  debt,  yet  new  enterprises  like  the  building 
of  the  steeple  In  1822,  the  new  rectory  house  in  1830, 
the  increase  in  the  assessments  and  taxes,  had  made  it 
an  apparent  necessity  to  dispose  of  property  at  a  loss. 
He  epitomises  the  report  of  Judge  Duer,  made  in  1827, 
and  its  recommendations.  Notwithstanding  the  adop- 
tion of  the  course  recommended  in  that  report  a  debt 
remained,  and  there  was  an  annual  deficiency  of  twelve 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  until  in  1835  '^he  accumula- 
tion of  debt  would  have  been  15,243.64,  which,  how- 
ever, was  reduced  by  the  sale  of  four  pews  and  a  sub- 
scription for  the  church,  soon  after  Dr.  Lacey's 
resignation,  to  $4,638.64. 

The  capital  of  the  parish  had  constantly  to  be  drawn 
upon  to  meet  the  interest  upon  this  amount.  The 
repairs  had  cost  $2,561.63  and  the  contract  price  of  the 
new  organ  was  $2,050.00,  making  a  total  of  $7,311.63. 
To  meet  this  indebtedness  there  were  available  a  sub- 
scription of  $2,265.00,  and  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  of 
the  High  street  property,  which,  with  the  interest  on  a 
bond  and  mortgage  for  $4,000,  were  $6,200.  These 
sums  would  defray  the  cost  of  the  improvement  and  the 
excavation  of  the  High  street  lots  and   leave  a   surplus 


264  Saint  Peter's  Church 

of  $162.00.  The  amount  of  the  Church  debt  on  May 
I,  1835,  ^'th  interest  was  $4,963.30,  and  the  annual 
deficiency  to  the  date  of  the  report  was  $1,250.00, 
making  a  total  of  $6,213.30.  Deducting  the  surplus 
and  the  amount  received  from  sale  of  pews,  $762.05, 
there  remained  a  net  debt  of  $5,451.25.  The  estimated 
annual  expenses  were  $2,835.57  and  the  estimated 
income  was  $1,283.00,  leaving  a  deficiency  of  $1,552.00. 
Mr.  Meads  then  speaks  plainly  of  the  present  and 
future  of  the  parish  in  these  strong  words:  "It  requires 
no  great  foresight  to  perceive  that  unless  some  effectual 
means  be  immediately  adopted  of  paying  off  the  present 
debt,  and  preventing  the  accumulation  of  this  annual 
amount  of  $1,552.00  and  interest,  the  whole  of  the 
Church  property  must  be  sunk  in  a  few  years.  It  has 
not  been  in  the  power  of  former  vestries — it  is  not  in 
the  power  of  the  present,  nor  can  it  be  in  the  power  of 
any  future  vestry — to  prevent  the  accumulation  of  debt, 
so  long  as  no  measures  are  adopted  by  the  congregation 
to  put  the  income  on  a  par  with  the  ordinary  expenses. 
Whether  the  expenses  of  the  past  year  were  in  all  cases 
necessary  or  proper,  is  not  now  material  to  inquire. 
The  expense  has  been  incurred,  and  it  will  not  be 
denied  that  a  large  portion  of  it,  at  least,  was  indis- 
pensable to  the  safety  and  preservation  of  the  Church, 
and  it  is  believed  that  the  result  has  already  proved  the 
liberal  policy  pursued  in  refitting  the  Church  to  have 
been  a  wise  one;  inasmuch  as  the  present  price  of  pews, 
compared  with  previous  prices  shows  an  increase  of 
value  to  each  pew  more  than  equal  to  its  proportion  of 
the  whole  amount  expended.  At  all  events  the  amount 
has  been  paid  off,  as  has  been  shown,  by  subscription, 
and  by  the  sale  of  the  High  street  property.     The  debt 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  265 

should  therefore  not  be  attributed  to  this  source ;  but  to 
the  insufficiency  of  income." 

Mr.  Meads  proposed  to  meet  this  crisis  in  the  affairs 
of  the  parish  by  either  temporarily  or  permanently  rais- 
ing the  pew  rents  and  thus  closes  his  report:  "In  this 
matter  the  vestry  have  no  other  interest  than  other 
members  of  the  congregation  who  own  pews,  and  if  the 
proposition  submitted  to  them  by  the  vestry  to  treble 
the  pew  rents,  be  a  necessary  and  proper  measure,  all 
will  alike  share  the  benefit;  and  if  it  be  otherwise  all 
will  suffer  the  consequences." 

The  immediate  effect  of  this  report  was  a  temporary 
relief  from  the  burden  of  debt.  Many  of  the  pew 
holders  very  willingly  agreed  to  the  proposal  to  treble 
their  pew  rents,  a  few,  however,  never  paid  the  increased 
rental,  and  the  debt  was  not  wholly  cancelled.  Mr. 
Meads  at  this  time  resigned  his  office  as  treasurer  and 
secretary.  After  the  Easter  election  of  1836,  Mr.  R. 
A.  Sands,  was  chosen  treasurer,  and  Mr.  Meads  was 
re-elected  as  secretary. 

The  state  of  Mr.  Potter's  health  continued  to  cause 
anxiety  to  the  congregation  and  at  this  time  was  so  pre- 
carious that  on  April  26th,  1836,  a  proposal  was  sub- 
mitted on  behalf  of  the  ladies  of  the  congregation 
through  Miss  Carter,  whose  school  in  the  old  lecture 
room  is  well  remembered  by  old  Albanians,  to  contrib- 
ute "I500  for  one  year  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  for 
the  rector  such  assistance  as  his  feeble  health  may  ren- 
der necessary  to  enable  him  to  discharge  his  parochial 
duties."  After  conference  with  the  rector,  the  ladies 
were  formally  thanked  by  the  vestry  for  their  liberal  con- 
tribution, and  the  rector  requested  "to  take  such  measures 
in  relation  to  the  subject  as  he  may  deem  advisable." 


266  Saint  Peter's  Church 

It  does  not  appear  that  Mr.  Potter  was   able  at   once 

to  secure  any  permanent  assistant.      In  the  summer   he 

arranged   with   the   Rev.    Clement   M.  Butler,  a  son  of 

the  Rev.  Dr.  David  Butler,  rector  of  St.  Paul's,  Troy, 

to  take  charge  of  the  parish  during  his  absence,  and  to 

become  the  assistant  minister  of  St.    Peter's.      It  shows 

his  nice  sense  of  courtesy  and  consideration  for  a  young 

man  just  entering  upon  his  ministry,  that  he  sent  to  the 

vestry,  through  Mr.  Meads,  immediately  before  leaving 

for  a  summer  rest,  this  letter: 

"Albany,  July  i  8,  1836. 
My  Dear  Sir: 

It  becomes  my  duty  to  inform  you,  and  through  you  the  vestry,  that 
I  have  engaged  the  Rev.  Clement  C.  Butler  to  act  for  a  few  months  as 
my  assistant  in  the  ministry.  Having  known  him  as  a  pupil  at  Washing- 
ton College  I  have  entire  confidence  in  his  prudence  and  worth,  and 
have  no  doubt  that  when  a  few  trials  have  placed  him  more  at  his  ease, 
he  will  officiate  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  congregation.  He  seems 
to  be  all  that  we  have  a  right  to  expect,  considering  the  place  and  the 
compensation  we  have  to  offer.  During  a  short  absence  he  will  supply 
the  pulpit,  aided  by  my  brother  and  an  occasional  exchange,  and  on  my 
return  I  propose  that  he  shall  aid  me  in  parochial  duties,  and  in  reading, 
and  preach  about  once  in  two  weeks,  lecturing  the  intervening  week.  On 
Thursday  of  this  week  he  will  be  at  Miss  Carter's,  and  it  would  be 
gratifying  to  me  to  have  the  Vestry  or  a  portion  of  them  call  upon  him. 

Much  of  his  success  will  depend  upon  the  manner  in  which  he  is 
encouraged  by  the  kindness  of  the  Vestry  and  Congregation,  both  in 
attendance  upon  his  services  and  in  personal  intercourse. 

I  trust  they  will  treat  him  as  they  have  always  treated  their  Rector. 

In  haste  I  remain. 

Yours  truly, 

O.  Meads,  Esqr.,  H.  POTTER." 

Secty.  of  the  Vestry. 

On  July  17th,  1836,  the  venerable  patriarch  of  the 
American  Church,  the  Rt.  Rev.  William  White,  D.D., 
full  of  years  and  honors,  entered  into  the   rest   of   para- 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  267 

disc.  The  vestry  placed  upon  the  minutes  an  apprecia- 
tive memorial  minute  in  which  it  was  "Resolved,  that 
while  they  deplore  the  bereavement  our  Church  has 
sustained  in  the  decease  of  our  late  venerable  presiding 
Bishop  our  grateful  thanks  are  due  to  Divine  Provi- 
dence for  the  manifold  blessings  which  have  resulted  to 
the  Church  and  to  this  nation  from  the  eminent  piety, 
patriotism  and  usefulness,  and  the  beautiful  and  con- 
sistent example  exhibited  by  the  deceased  through  all 
the  varied  scenes  and  duties  to  which  he  was  called  dur- 
ing his  long  and  eventful  life."  It  was  also  resolved 
that  "this  Church  be  put  in  the  usual  mourning  for  the 
space  of  one  month." 

Mr.  Butler's  work  in  the  parish  was  satisfactory  to  a 
large  and  critical  congregation.  After  the  rector's 
return,  he  continued  to  act  as  assistant  until  in  Decem- 
ber, 1836,  he  accepted  "a  call  from  the  Church  at  Syra- 
cuse."^ The  vestry,  at  a  meeting  held  on  December 
8,  1836,  passed  a  preamble  and  resolution  urging  upon 
the  rector  the  necessity  there  was  for  an  assistant,  both 
on  his  own  account  and  in  consideration  of  the  interests 
of  the  congregation,  "the  frequency  and  arduousness  of 
the  stated  services  of  the  Church  during  the  ensuing 
season,  and  the  numerous  calls  upon  his  time  and  atten- 
tion by  his  own  congregation  and  the  poor  foreign  pop- 
ulation of  this  city."  Mr.  Potter  was  asked  to  make 
for  himself  a  selection  of  some  suitable  person  to  assist 
him  in  the  discharge  of  his  clerical  and  parochial  duties 
during  such  time  as  he  may  deem  his  health  or  duties 
render  such  assistance  desirable. "  He  does  not  seem 
to  have  acted  upon  the  suggestion  as  there  is  no  record 
of  any  further  action. 

'  See  appendix. 


268  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The  desire  of  the  rector  that  St.  Peter's  should  be 
forward  in  every  good  work  and  in  no  particular  fall 
behind  parishes  inferior  to  it  in  wealth  and  reputation, 
led  him  in  December,  1836,  to  prepare  with  much  care 
a  letter  to  be  presented  to  the  vestry,  in  which,  with 
discrimination  and  judgment,  he  puts  plainly  the  duty 
of  the  parish  in  regard  to  the  objects  then  becoming 
recognized  as  the  general  work  of  the  Church,  as  well 
as  those  of  diocesan  interest. 

"The  rector  would  state  to  the  Vestry  in  reference  to 
missions  that  a  balance  is  due  the  treasurer  of  the  Mis- 
sionary Association  of  about  $125,  that  the  collection 
yesterday  amounted  to  about  $160,  of  which  |ioo  was 
contributed  by  Mr.  E.  C.  Delavan.  As  it  would  not 
be  very  creditable  to  the  parish  to  take  the  money  which 
Mr.  Delavan  intended  should  go  directly  to  missions, 
to  pay  a  society  debt,  it  is  suggested  whether  some 
other  means  should  not  be  employed  at  once  to  reim- 
burse the  treasurer,  leaving  Mr.  Delavan's  contribution, 
if  nothing  more,  to  be  remitted.  The  Rector  earnestly 
begs  the  support  and  advice  of  the  Vestry  in  relation  to 
Missions  generally.  It  may  be  mentioned  that  the 
Parishes  at  Hartford,  at  Troy  and  at  Rochester,  which 
are  not  equal  in  strength  to  St.  Peter's,  contribute  from 
|i,ooo  to  ^1,500  to  the  different  objects  beyond  their 
own  cities.  The  New  York  City  parishes  contributed 
much  more.  This  amount  may  be  larger  than  neces- 
sary. The  Rector  has  no  desire  to  increase  the  calls 
upon  the  congregation  unnecessarily,  but  he  believes 
the  parish  will  not  do  its  duty  in  the  present  state  of 
the  Church  and  country,  and  cannot  be  truly  prosperous 
while  it  neglects  the  general  institutions,  which  our  eccle- 
siastical councils  have  established  to  aid  in  disseminating 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  269 

the  Gospel.  The  following  sketch  is  presented  of 
objects  beyond  the  limits  of  the  parish,  with  something 
like  the  sums  which  it  is  supposed  they  ought  to  receive: 

Missions  in  this  State $150  or  |200 

Missions  in  the  Western  and  South-west- 
ern States  ■  • 1 50  or    200 

Missions  in   Foreign  Countries 100 

To  aid  in  building  Churches  •  ■ 100 

General  Episcopal  Sunday  School  Union  30 

General  Episcopal  Tract  Society 20 

Episcopal  Fund    (for  Bishop) 25 

Convention  Fund 25 

^600  or  I700 

"This  amount  has  been  raised  one  or  two  years  since  I 
have  been  here  in  the  parish  without  much  difficulty. 
There  is  a  general  disposition  to  contribute,  and  a  sim- 
ple calculation  would  show  how  small  a  sum  from  each 
member  of  the   parish  would  suffice. 

"The  Rector  has  thought  of  substituting  for  the  pri- 
vate subscriptions,  which  are  troublesome,  four  or  six 
collections  annually  from  the  congregation,  believing 
that  if  the  plan  and  objects  were  understood  the  amount 
would  readily  be  obtained.  The  fund  for  building 
churches  might  be  retained  by  the  Vestry,  and  a  portion 
given  when  an  applicant  would  appear  entitled  to  it. 

"This  would  prevent  personal  applications.  I  might 
examine  the  religious  condition  of  the  country  and  the 
nature  of  the  several  institutions  to  show  the  reasona- 
bleness of  the  above  sketch,  but  I  presume  it  is  unnec- 
essary. There  are  several  city  and  parish  objects,  which 
of  course  this  sketch  does  not  include. 


270  Saint  Peter's  Church 

"The  Rector  submits  these  suggestions  to  the  Vestry 
for  their  advice.  He  feels  very  much  the  need  of  sym- 
pathy and  aid  in  these  efforts.  He  would  be  glad  to 
have  some  plan  formally  sanctioned  by  the  Vestry  and 
prosecuted  under  their  care. 

"He  would  propose  that  the  Treasurer  take  charge  of 
these  collections  and  see  that  they  are  properly  remitted. 

"With  regard  to  an  assistant  (to  which  subject  his 
attention  has  been  called),  the  Rector  is  in  some  degree 
of  perplexity.  He  feels  unwilling  to  tax  the  parish  for 
the  performance  of  duties  which  properly  belong  to  him. 
It  is  a  subject  of  regret,  too,  that  the  contributions  of 
the  ladies,  formerly  given  to  missions,  are  now  expended 
in  promoting  his  personal  comfort.  For  the  present  he 
is  inclined  to  go  on  without  aid.  Owing  to  the  large  for- 
eign population  of  the  city,  the  demands  upon  his  time 
and  strength  are  very  great,  peculiarly  so.  Should  he 
find  himself  unequal  to  his  labors  he  will  frankly  say 
so  to  the  Vestry. 

"The  Rector  submits  these  hurried  considerations  to 
the   indulgence   of  the  Vestry,  and   subscribes    himself 
their  affectionate  pastor, 

H.  Potter." 

"The  Rector  would  refer  the  Vestry  to  a  communi- 
cation of  Bishop  Onderdonk  in  The  Churchman." 

It  was  gratifying  to  Mr.  Potter  that  immediate  action 
was  taken  upon  this  communication,  for  upon  Decem- 
ber 5th,  1836,  it  was  unanimously  resolved,  "that  a 
collection  be  hereafter  taken  upon  the  third  Sunday  of 
every  month,  to  be  applied  alternately,  the  first  month 
to  the  general  missionary  and  charitable  purposes 
enumerated  in  the  communication  of  the  Rector,  and 
the  succeeding  month   to  supply   the  deficiency  of  the 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  271 

regular  income  of  the  Church  and  to  defray  the  ordinary 
expenses." 

The  progress  of  the  parish  is  evident  in  these  early 
years  of  Mr.  Potter's  incumbency.  The  Sunday  School 
increased  under  the  faithful  oversight  of  the  rector  and 
the  few  devoted  women  that  were  its  teachers. 

Mr.  Potter  had  taken  a  high  position  among  the 
noted  men  of  the  city.  In  every  charitable  and  philan- 
thropic enterprise  he  was  the  judicious  adviser  and  often 
generous  contributor.  Among  his  brethren  of  the  clergy 
his  ability  was  recognized.  He  was  interested  in  the 
missionary  work  then  carried  on  in  Northern  New 
York,  without  any  other  system  than  the  appointment 
of  missionaries  by  the  missionary  committee  of  the 
diocese  as  applications  were  made,  or  as  the  bishop 
thought  expedient. 

There  was  no  agency  which  had  a  well  developed 
plan  for  the  establishing  of  missions  at  the  most  central 
points.  The  Albany  Bible  and  Prayer  Book  Society 
found  in  the  rector  of  St.  Peter's  a  wise  counselor,  one 
who  appreciated  at  its  full  value  that  useful  organization. 

In  1837,  Mr.  Henry  W.  Delavan  left  a  legacy  of 
one  thousand  dollars  to  the  parish.  His  executor,  the 
well  known  and  generous  Hon.  Edward  C.  Delavan, 
paid  it  at  once,  in  July,  without  availing  himself  of  the 
provisions  of  the  will  by  which  payment  might  have 
been  delayed  a  year  and  a  half.  Probably  it  was  used 
to  defray  the  cost  of  a  post  and  chain  fence  around  the 
enclosed  ground  of  the  church,  and  for  other  current 
expenses,  authorized  at  the  meeting  of  the  vestry  when 
it  was  accepted. 

Mr.  Potter  was  honored  in  1838  with  the  degree  of 
Doctor    in   Divinity   from   Washington   (now  Trinity) 


272  Saint  Peter's  Church 

College,  Hartford.  It  was  well  earned,  for  amid  his 
many  duties  in  a  large  parish  he  found  time  to  maintain 
a  high  standard  of  theological  learning. 

The  salary  of  Mr.  Potter  was  permanently  increased 
in  October,  1839,  to  seventeen  hundred  and  fifty  dol- 
lars "in  consequence  of  the  increased  expenses  of  living 
since  the  present  Rector  was  instituted."  Four  hun- 
dred dollars  had  been  given  to  Mr.  Potter  for  two  years 
previous  which  the  rector  had  acknowledged  in  a  grace- 
ful note  as  the  "proof  of  your  concern  for  my  personal 
comfort." 

Several  votes  were  found  during  this  period  on  the 
minutes  concerning  the  music  of  the  church,  and  the 
frequent  changes  of  organists.  The  organist  at  one  time 
was  cautioned  to  avoid  "all  light  and  unseemly  music 
and  to  confine  himself  as  nearly  as  he  properly  can  to 
the  music  and  chants  as  written,  and  also  to  play  only 
short  and  appropriate  interludes  between  the  verses  of 
the  psalms  and  hymns  sung  during  the  public  services." 

The  formation  in  1839  °^  ^  ^^^  parish  in  the  south- 
ern part  of  the  city,  which  subsequently  took  the  name 
of  Trinity  Church,  under  the  charge  of  the  Rev.  Isaac 
Swart,  relieved  Dr.  Potter  of  a  portion  of  his  burden. 
The  loving  care  of  the  late  Canon  Selkirk  for  this  his 
only  parish  during  the  forty  years  of  his  active  rector- 
ship, and  its  growth  under  him  is  among  the  pleasant 
incidents  of  Church  life  in  Albany. 

St.  Peter's,  however,  did  not  lose  any  of  its  strength. 
The  men  and  women  of  the  congregation  labored  with 
fidelity  and  its  organizations  for  Christian  work  were 
in  active  operation.  John  C.  Spencer,  a  man  of 
varied  talents  and  keen  intellect,  Marcus  T.  Reynolds, 
Daniel  D.  Barnard,  Orlando  Meads,  Henry  G.  Whea- 


Rectorship  of  Dr.    Horatio  Potter  273 

ton,  Visscher  Ten  Eyck,  John  Taylor,  James  Dexter, 
James  Kidd,  John  S.  Perry,  Charles  H.  Payn,  John 
F.  Townsend  and  Thomas  Wright  were  among  those 
who  became  prominent  in  the  affairs  of  the  parish  dur- 
ing the  decade  from  1840  to  1850. 

In  January,  1839,  St.  Paul's  Church  found  that  its 
location  in  Ferry  street  was  not  favorable  for  growth, 
although  in  the  Rev.  William  Ingraham  Kip,  it  had  a 
rector  who  was  not  afraid  of  work  and  whose  powers 
as  a  thinker  and  preacher  were  universally  recognized. 
The  vestry  of  St.  Paul's  decided  to  seek  another  site, 
and  purchased  the  well  known  theatre  on  South  Pearl 
street  between  Beaver  (now  Madison  avenue)  and  Hud- 
son streets.  While  this  building  was  being  altered  into 
a  church,  through  the  courtesy  of  the  mother  parish 
the  congregations  of  St.  Peter's  and  St.  Paul's  Churches 
worshipped  together,  and  Dr.  Potter  and  Mr.  Kip 
alternately  preached  and  read  the  service  In  St.  Peter's 
Church.  It  was  a  time  of  spiritual  refreshment  and 
growth.  Bishop  Onderdonk  in  his  convention  address 
for  1 840,  speaks  of  the  condition  of  the  Church  at 
Albany  at  that  time  as  highly  satisfactory.  In  his  his- 
torical sermon,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Reese,  for  many  years  the 
beloved  rector  of  St.  Paul's,  says:  "The  fruitful 
labors  of  the  two  rectors  had  been  evidently  signally 
successful,  and  between  the  parishes  there  was  a  most 
delightful  state  of  Christian  harmony  and  good  feel- 
ing." The  action  of  the  vestry  of  St.  Peter's  Is  found 
in  this  resolution  which  on  motion  of  Dr.  Staats  was 
unanimously  adopted:  "Resolved,  that  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Potter  be  and  he  is  hereby  authorized  to  make  such 
arrangements  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kip  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  the  members  of  St.  Paul's  congregation  dur- 
18 


2  74  Saint  Peter's  Church 

ing  the  time  their  Church  is  fitting  up  as  may  be  most 
convenient  and  acceptable  to  the  said  Rectors  respec- 
tively." It  was  eight  months  before  the  new  St.  Paul's 
was  ready  for  use,  and  the  worshipping  again  in  St. 
Peter's  must  have  seemed  to  some  like  a  return  to  the 
old  home.^ 

Upon  April  25th,  1841,  Dr.  Potter  delivered  a  ser- 
mon upon  the  death  of  President  Harrison  in  St. 
Peter's  Church,  before  the  Legislature  of  New  York,  of 
which  he  was  one  of  the  chaplains.  His  theme  was 
"Uprightness  and  Religious  Character  in  Rulers." 
The  discourse  was  remarkable  for  its  probing  of  some 
of  the  evils  of  political  life,  and  its  eloquent  character- 
ization of  General  Harrison.^ 

On  June  28,  1841,  the  treasurer,  Mr.  William  Nes- 
sle,  presented  his  report  for  the  year  ending  May  i. 
It  showed  receipts  of  $8,905.71,  and  expenditures  of 
$8,841.34.  Of  this  amount  six  thousand  dollars  had 
been  borrowed  from  the  Merchants  Insurance  Company. 
Four  thousand  dollars  had  been  expended  to  cancel  a 
mortgage  held  by  Mr.  Giles  W.  Porter.  The  liabilities 
for  the  current  quarter  were  seven  hundred  and  seventy- 
five  dollars  and  the  resources  thirteen  hundred  and 
eighty  dollars,  leaving  a  balance  of  six  hundred  and 
five  dollars  and  fifty  cents  to  meet  the  expenses  for  the 
next  quarter.  The  financial  depression  felt  throughout 
the  country  since  1837,  and  the  constant  deficiency  of 
parochial  income  to  which  in  vain  successive  treasurers 
and  vestries  had  called  the  attention  of  the  congregation, 
determined  the  vestry  on  August  loth,  to  request  the 
treasurer  to  print  his  report  with  a  full  statement  of  the 

'  Semi-Centennial  of  St.  Paul's,  Albany,  p.  i  3. 
^  For  an  extract  from  this  sermon  see  appendix. 


Rectorship  of  Dr.    Horatio  Potter  275 

permanent  debt  and  "the  immediate  liabilities  of  the 
Church,"  and  have  it  distributed  among  the  members 
of  the  congregation.  The  report  in  its  printed  form 
contained  a  detailed  statement  of  all  receipts  and  dis- 
bursements from  May  i,  1839,  to  May  i,  1841,  and 
also  the  disbursements  to  the  date  of  the  report,  August 
10.  It  proved  clearly  that  the  parish  was  constantly 
increasing  its  permanent  debt,  that  there  was  only  a  cer- 
tain income  of  about  nineteen  hundred  dollars  and 
expenditures  of  three  thousand  dollars.  This  deficiency 
had  sometimes  been  met  by  annual  subscriptions,  some 
of  which  were  large.  This  source,  however,  could  not 
be  relied  upon  as  permanent.  The  rector's  salary  was 
then  in  arrears  for  five  months.  The  balance  on  hand 
May  I,  and  the  expenditures  since  that  date,  left  less 
than  fifty  dollars  in  the  treasury  with  pressing  liabilities 
of  seven  hundred  and  thirty-nine  dollars.  The  perma- 
nent debt  was  then  seven  thousand  and  six  hundred  and 
sixty-five  dollars.  Mr.  Nessle  suggests  that  there  are 
"outstanding  arrears  of  pew  rents,  subscriptions,  etc., 
the  immediate  paymentof  which  is  indispensable  to  enable 
the  Church  to  discharge  the  pressing  demands  against  it. ' ' 

The  congregation  did  not  pay  sufficient  attention  to 
this  report  to  relieve  the  treasurer  from  embarrassment, 
for,  on  December  20,  1841,  the  exigency  in  the  financial 
condition  of  the  parish  compelled  the  issue  of  an  earnest 
appeal  to  the  congregation  "for  effective  pecuniary  aid." 

A  circular  was  printed  and  sent  through  the  post- 
ofiice  to  each  pew  holder  and  parishioner,  in  which  the 
vestry  say  that  they  had  always  "endeavored  to  allevi- 
ate the  burden  of  expenditure,  and  to  regulate  the  dis- 
bursements in  conformity  with  their  income  and 
resources."      They  declare  that  "they  are   not   sensible 


276  Saint  Peter's  Church 

that  any  reduction  of  expenses  can  now  properly  or  con- 
sistently be  made."  They  ask  for  the  co-operation  of 
the  congregation  with  the  vestry  in  "sustaining  the 
Church."  They  announce  "with  pain  and  deep  regret 
that  the  salary  of  the  rector  has  not  been  paid  for  more 
than  six  months  past. "  There  were  also  other  claims 
which  ought  at  once  to  be  liquidated  "or  serious  incon- 
venience and  dishonor  must  ensue.  By  this  appeal  they 
intend  to  acquit  themselves  of  their  duty,"  and  they  can- 
not doubt  that  "the  appeal  will  be  responded  to  in  the 
most  prompt  and  effective  manner."^ 

This  appeal  did  not  effect  its  purpose.  The  congre- 
gation still  supposed  that  in  the  church  lands  there  was 
a  sufficient  asset  against  any  possible  claim.  On  March 
3,  1842,  Mr.  John  Gott,  the  senior  warden,  submitted, 
"in  compliance  with  a  suggestion  made  at  a  former 
meeting  of  the  vestry"  a  statement  of  a  pro  rata  assess- 
ment on  the  pew  holders  of  St.  Peter's  Church.  It  was 
based  upon  the  ground  rents  originally  reserved  upon 
the  pews  and  was  intended,  with  the  rents  from  the 
leases  of  the  real  estate,  to  secure  "a  sufficient  amount 
to  defray  the  annual  charge  of  the  establishment." 
After  discussion,  it  was  determined  that  the  assessment 
be  so  revised  as  to  make  the  amount  to  be  raised  about 
two  thousand  dollars.  It  was  resolved  to  print  this 
statement  together  with  a  detailed  list  of  the  pew 
holders  and  the  new  ground  rents,  and  a  general  state- 
ment of  the  condition  of  the  finances.  Under  date  of 
March  5,    1842,    the   pamphlet  appeared.^     When  the 

'  For  a  copy  of  the  appeal  see  appendix. 

■  Statement  of  the  Condition  of  the  Finances  of  St.  Peter's  Church, 
with  a  Prospective  Plan  of  Revenue  and  Support.  By  the  vestry. 
Albany;    l6mo.,  pp.   12.      Printed  by  Chas.  Van  Benthuysen,  1842. 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  277 

parishioners  had  read  and  digested  it,  they  were  to  be 
called  upon  for  their  quota  of  the  increased  rents.  The 
items  of  current  expenses  were  given,  including  the 
interest  on  the  mortgages,  as  amounting  to  $3,281,  and 
the  present  income  of  the  Church  as  $1,897,  leaving  an 
annual  deficit  of  $1,384.  The  vestry  then  explained 
the  necessity  of  the  expenses  for  repairs  and  say  that 
some  will  be  necessary  during  the  present  season.  "The 
ceiling  in  the  arches  should  be  thoroughly  examined 
and  may  require  to  be  plastered  anew.  Since  the  erec- 
tion of  the  Church  the  streets  in  front  and  on  the  east 
side  have  been  excavated  twice  which  left  the  founda- 
tion of  the  Church  scant  three  feet  below  the  surface  of 
the  pavement.  As  a  protection  against  frost  the  earth 
has  been  raised  on  the  east  side  about  one  foot.  The 
cracks  which  have  appeared  in  the  walls  on  the  east  and 
west  sides  over  the  windows  appear  to  have  been  caused 
by  frost;  some  protection  against  this  agent  is  neces- 
sary; which  can  be  done  by  extending  the  platform  at 
the  door  the  whole  front  of  the  tower.  "^  After  a  list, 
and  some  comments  upon  the  lessees  of  the  real  prop- 
erty of  the  church,  the  method  of  defraying  expenses  is 
discussed  and  that  of  subscription  is  speedily  dismissed. 
It  had  been  tried  for  three  years  with  only  partial  suc- 
cess. "Some  of  the  pew  holders  have  declined  to  con- 
tribute; others  have  aided  in  a  limited  and  reluctant 
manner;  and  the  effect  has  been  to  throw  the  burden 
of  the  support  of  the  Church  mainly  on  the  vestry,  and 
a  few  benevolent  and  liberal  individuals"^  A  month 
later  an  "Additional  Statement,"  prepared  by  Mr. 
Julius    Rhoades,     was     adopted    by    the    vestry    and 

'  Statement,  pp.  4,  5. 
'  Statement,  p.  7. 


278  Saint  Peter's  Church 

ordered  printed  on  April  7,  1842.  It  gave  fuller  infor- 
mation as  to  the  debt  and  a  more  careful  estimate  of 
the  income  and  deficiency.  It  discussed  the  plan  for 
increased  rent,  and  showed  that  the  plan  already  printed 
would  "not  produce  sufficient,  if  all  collected,  to  pay 
the  current  expenses  of  the  Church  exclusive  of  the 
interest  on  the  Church  debt."^  The  method  of  sub- 
scriptions is  then  analyzed,  and  it  was  shown  that  from 
those  who  had  increased  their  pew  rents  in  1836,  fifty- 
two  in  number,  there  had  come  the  greater  part  of  the 
subscriptions,  and  that  from  the  forty-two  persons  who 
had  refused  to  pay  increased  rent,  only  three  hundred 
and  forty-three  dollars  had  been  subscribed.  The  state- 
ment appeals  to  these  parishioners  who  have  been  prac- 
tically enjoymg  their  religion  by  the  charity  of  their 
fellow  worshippers  to  now  accept  the  proposed  increase. 
It  closes  with  this  allusion  to  the  history  of  the  parish: 
"Shall  a  Congregation  which  exhibits  with  pride  its 
massive  communion  service  of  plate  presented  by 
Oueen  Anne,  say  that  it  is  less  able  than  the  congrega- 
tions which  have  sprung  up  comparatively  but  as  yes- 
terday, to  defray  without  the  charitable  aid  of  others, 
its  ordinary  expenses.      We  trust  not."^ 

The  result  of  these  statements  was  a  call  for  "a  meet- 
ing of  the  male  members  and  pew  owners  of  this 
Church."  It  was  held  on  Monday  afternoon,  June 
20,  1842.  After  it  had  been  opened  with  prayer  by 
the  rector,  he  retired.  Mr.  John  L.  Wendell  was 
chosen   as  chairman   and   Mr.  William  E.  Bleecker,  as 

'  Additional  Statement  of  the  Condition  of  the  Finances  of  St.  Peter's 
Church,  with  a  prospective  plan  of  Revenue  and  Support.  By  the 
vestry.  Albany,  Printed  by  Chas.  Van  Benthuysen.  1842.  l6mo. 
pp.   18. 

'  Additional  Statement,  p.   18. 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  279 

secretary.  Mr.  Stevenson  then  read  a  letter  from  Dr. 
Potter  offering  to  contribute  one  hundred  and  fifty 
dollars  for  five  years,  "toward  defraying  the  current 
expenses  of  our  Church."^ 

The  "plan"  as  presented  in  the  "Additional  State- 
ment," was  discussed  and,  on  motion  of  Mr.  James 
Taylor,  adopted.  A  motion  made  by  Mr.  Henry 
Trowbridge:  "that  it  will  be  expedient  if  all  the  pew 
holders  do  not  assent  to  the  adoption  of  the  above  plan 
that  the  mortgage  upon  the  Church  be  foreclosed," 
was  discussed  and  finally  withdrawn.  A  motion  of 
Mr.  D.  Burwell  to  appoint  a  committee  to  ask  the  pew 
holders  to  assent  to  the  proposed  increased  rent  pre- 
vailed, and  Mr.  J.  L.  Wendell,  Mr.  Henry  Trow- 
bridge and  Mr.  John  Tayler  Cooper  were  chosen. 
Mr.  Burwell  was  on  motion  added  to  the  committee. 
To  this  same  committee  was  referred  the  generous 
proposition  of  the  rector.  The  meeting  then  adjourned 
until  "Monday,  July  4th,  1842,  at  4  P.  M." 

On  the  following  day  the  vestry  met.  It  considered  a 
letter  from  the  rector  in  which  he  offered  to  relinquish 
"so  much  of  my  salary  as  exceeds  the  sum  of  fourteen 
hundred  dollars  and  the  Rectory  House."  This  was 
intended  to  be  a  substitute  for  the  proposal  of  a  subscrip- 
tion which  he  had  made  to  the  meeting  of  the  congrega- 
tion.^ This  liberal  offer  was  accepted,  and  Mr.  James 
Stevenson  asked  to  notify  Dr.  Potter.  The  Secretary 
was  requested  "to  put  a  copy  of  the  Reverend  Rector's 
communication  into  the  hands  of  the  Chairman  of  the 
Committee  for  soliciting  pew  owners  to  increase  their 
pew  rents." 

'  For  a  copy  of  thisletter  see  appendix. 
'  For  a  copy  see  appendix. 


28o  Saint  Peter's  Church 

When  the  adjourned  meeting  of  the  pew  holders  was 
held  on  "July  7th,  1842,  at  4  P.  M.,"  Mr.  Stevenson 
presented  the  communication  from  Dr.  Potter,  and 
Mr.  Wendell  reported  that  the  committee  had  not  been 
able  to  obtain  the  consent  of  all  the  pew  holders  to 
carry  out  the  plan  adopted  by  the  last  meeting.  He 
also  presented  "several  propositions  respecting  the 
embarrassments  of  the  Church,"  which  were  discussed, 
and  "laid  on  the  table  until  the  next  meeting."  The 
Committee  was  asked  to  make  another  effort.  A 
motion  of  Mr.  Burwell  that  the  vestry  be  recommended 
"to  procure  a  loan  of  $2,000  for  the  purpose  of  pur- 
chasing the  pews  of  those  persons  who  should  decline 
raising  their  rents,  prevailed.  It  was  determined  to 
meet  again  on  "the  first  Monday  in  August  next,  at 
4  P.  M." 

The  vestry  met  on  July  8th,  and  took  action  con- 
cerning several  pews  upon  which  the  rent  had  been  in 
arrears  for  two  years  and  upwards.  Mr.  Julius  Rhoades 
was  to  take  the  necessary-  measures  for  "re-entering 
upon  and  taking  possession  of  such  pews  on  behalf  of 
the  Church."  There  is  no  record  of  the  parish  meet- 
ing in  August.  Possibly  it  was  not  held.  At  a  vestry 
meeting  on  September  12,  action  was  taken  concerning 
all  pews  upon  which  the  rent  was  in  arrears  for  two 
years,  and  hereafter  for  all  pews  in  arrears  for  one  year. 
Mr.  Orlando  Meads  was  made  the  attorney  of  the 
church  for  this  purpose.  The  Treasurer  presented  a 
statement  of  the  embarrassed  condition  of  the  treasury, 
which  was  referred  to  the  finance  committee,  Mr.  James 
Stevenson  and  Mr.  James  Dexter.  On  September  21, 
that  committee  reported  that  in  addition  to  the  bond 
and  mortgage  debt  of  $7,500,  there  were  floating    debts 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  281 

of  51,593.25,  of  which  nearly  S850.00  was  due  to  the 
rector.  The  only  assets  of  the  church,  besides  the  real 
estate,  were  the  arrears  of  pew  rents  and  subscriptions, 
of  which  one  half  were  uncollectible.  Even  if  all  the 
arrears  were  paid,  a  balance  of  ^398. 15  would  remain 
to  be  provided  for.  It  was  impossible  to  borrow  any 
money  "upon  such  security  as  the  Church  can  offer." 
Some  who  had  been  liberal  subscribers  declined  to  make 
any  further  subscriptions,  "until  the  income  of  the 
Church  is  made  sufficient  to  defray  the  ordinary  annual 
expenses."  Many  of  the  pew  holders  still  refused  to 
increase  their  pew  rents.  Under  these  circumstances, 
and  with  the  full  gravity  of  the  situation  apparent  to 
them,  the  committee  says :  "It  has  now  become  nec- 
essary to  sell  the  Church  lots,  or  to  allow  the  Church 
and  Rectory  to  be  sold  under  the  mortgage."  Even 
when  an  advantageous  sale  had  been  made  there  would 
still  be  an  annual  deficit  "of  upwards  of  a  thousand 
dollars."  The  committee  "advise  the  sale  of  one  or 
all  of  the  lots  on  Maiden  Lane."  After  consideration 
of  this  report  by  the  vestry  a  call  was  made  for  a  meet- 
ing of  the  congregation  "to  be  held  in  the  Lecture 
Room  on  Monday  next  at  4  o'clock  P.  M.,  to  take 
into  consideration  the  above  report."  At  this  meet- 
ing on  September  26,  1842,  Mr.  Wendell  was  chosen 
chairman  and  Mr.  Orlando  Meads  secretary.  After 
a  statement  from  Mr.  Stevenson,  senior  warden  and  the 
chairman  of  the  finance  committee,  it  was,  after  discus- 
sion, "Resolved,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  Vestry 
to  dispose  of  the  real  estate  of  the  Church,  and  apply 
the  proceeds  to  the  payment  of  the  outstanding  debts." 
Mr.  Wendell  reported  that  the  greater  part  of  the  pew 
owners  had  consented  to  the  increased   pew  rents.      He 


282  Saint  Peter's  Church 

was  authorized  to  consult  with  Messrs.  Reynolds  and 
Stevenson  as  to  the  legal  right  of  the  church  "to  com- 
pel pew  holders  to  contribute  their  just  proportion  to 
the  payment  of  the  necessary  expenses  of  the  Church." 

The  vestry,  on  October  8,  authorized  the  finance 
committee  to  sell  "the  real  estate  belonging  to  the  Church 
situated  on  the  block  next  north  of  the  Church  between 
Maiden  Lane,  Lodge  and  Pine  streets,  but  at  no  less 
rate  than  seventeen  dollars  for  each  one  dollar  of  rent 
now  received."  At  the  same  meeting  Mr.  Meads  was 
added  to  the  finance  committee.  On  March  8,  1843, 
the  committee  reported  that  certain  of  the  lots  had  been 
perpetually  leased  "at  the  annual  rent  of  one  cent  per 
annum,  if  demanded,  "for  a  total  sum  of  16,085,  of 
which  ^2,697.50  was  in  cash,  the  balance  being  in  notes 
and  a  bond  and  mortgage.  This  sum  was  used  to  pay 
one  thousand  dollars  of  the  principal  of  the  mortgage 
to  the  Merchant's  Insurance  Company,  interest  on 
the  mortgage  to  the  Albany  Bible  and  Prayer  Book 
Society,  and  a  portion  of  the  arrears  of  the  rector's  salary. 

In  August,  1844,  by  the  proceeds  of  a  subscription, 
"the  church  and  steeple"  were  repainted  "with  a  free 
stone  colour,  so  as  to  correspond  with  the  free  stone 
work  of  the  building." 

On  March  28,  1845,  a  special  committee,  Mr.  Mar- 
cus T.  Reynolds,  Mr.  John  Gott,  Mr.  William  G. 
Bleecker,  Mr.  Orlando  Meads,  and  Mr.  John  C.  Spen- 
cer, was  appointed  "to  sell  the  lots  belonging  to  the 
Church,  on  Pine  and  Lodge  streets  and  Maiden  Lane." 

On  April  30,  the  committee  was  instructed  to  sell  no 
lot  for  "less  than  seven  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  each." 

On  May  27,  the  committee  reported  that  it  had  dis- 
charged  its  duty,  and  sold  the  lots  "by  public  auction 


Rectorship  of  Dr.    Horatio  Potter  283 

at  the  Exchange  on  the  14th  day  of  May  instant." 
The  two  lots  on  Maiden  Lane  were  sold  to  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Landon  for  eight  hundred  dollars  each;  the  lot  on 
Lodge  street,  and  the  three  lots  on  Pine  street  to  Mr. 
James  Kidd  for  nine  hundred  and  five  dollars  each.  By 
this  sale  the  last  foot  of  the  landed  estate  of  St.  Peter's 
Church,  with  the  exception  of  the  plot  on  which  the 
church  building  and  rectory  house  stood,  passed  from 
its  possession. 

Dr.  Potter  keenly  felt  the  financial  difficulties  of  the 
parish,  and  deplored  the  neccessity  for  sacrificing 
property  from  which  his  predecessor,  Thomas  Ellison, 
had  thought  would  accrue  to  the  Church  in  Albany  as 
many  benefits  as  had  come  to  the  Church  in  New  York 
city  by  the  endowment  of  the  Trinity  Corporation  with 
the  King's  Farm.  He  was  also,  as  were  many  others, 
troubled  and  distressed  by  the  condition  of  the  diocese, 
whose  episcopal  head  had  in  January,  1845,  been 
indefinitely  suspended.  The  progress  of  the  Oxford 
Movement,  and  the  attitude  of  its  leaders,  Dr.  Pusey 
and  Mr.  Newman,  were  to  a  large  number  of  loyal 
churchmen  a  cause  of  grave  concern.  It  was  under 
these  circumstances  that  an  unexpected  offer  of  a  voyage 
to  England  was  made  to  the  rector  of  St.  Peter's  which 
he  immediately  laid  before  the  vestry  in  the  following 
letter: 

"  To  the  Wardens  and  Veitry  of  St.   Peter's  Church,  Albany: 

Gentlemen. — I  have  to  ask  your  attention  to  a  question  which  comes 
before  me,  almost  as  much  a  matter  of  surprise  to  me  as  it  can  be  to  you. 
Two  or  three  weeks  since  I  happened  to  say  something  to  my  friend,  Rob- 
ert B.  Minturn,  Esquire,  of  New  York,  on  the  subject  of  a  sea  voyage,  as 
a  means  of  removing  a  slight  irritation  about  the  throat,  which  has  been 
troubling  me  for  several  months,  and  indeed  at  intervals  for  two  or  three 
years  and  also  as  a  means  of  renewing  my  general  strength,  which  has  been 


284  Saint  Peter's  Church 

somewhat  wasted  by  continual  labor  and  care.  I  had  then  no  serious 
intention  of  making  a  sea  voyage  at  present.  The  recent  affliction  of 
the  Church  left  me  with  Httle  disposition  to  make  a  European  Tour 
with  the  ordinary  object  of  sight  seeing.  But  my  remarks  prompted 
Mr.  Minturn  to  offer  me,  with  his  usual  kindness  and  liberality,  a  free 
passage  to  and  from  England  in  any  of  his  Packets  sailing  to  Liverpool 
or  London  during  the  next  few  months.  Still  I  did  not  seriously  take 
the  matter  into  consideration.  But  my  brother,  hearing  of  the  offer, 
and  knowing  that  I  stood  in  need  of  rest,  urged  me  strongly  to  accept 
it  and  offered  at  once  to  supply  my  pulpit  during  my  absence. 

"  Other  friends  gave  me  the  same  advice,  and  finding  that  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  would  be  in  town  this  summer,  and  would  consent 
to  look  after  the  duties  of  the  parish,  I  have  determined,  should  you 
approve  of  my  design,  to  sail  for  England  in  the  Patrick  Henry,  on 
Thursday  of  next  week,  with  the  intention  of  being  at  home  again 
early  in  September. 

"I  do  not  profess  to  be  sick;  but  having  now  labored  ten  years,  not 
only  among  my  own  visible  flock,  but  also  among  the  unknown  poor  of 
the  city,  without  any  considerable  period  of  rest,  I  feel  that  a  sea  voy- 
age, removing  me  from  all  labor  and  care,  giving  me  the  benefit  of  sea 
air  and  travel  in  a  foreign  land,  with  time  and  opportunity  to  refresh  my 
mind  as  well  as  my  body,  would  be  a  great  relief  and  a  great  benefit, 
not  only  to  myself  personally,  but  to  my  spiritual  charge.  I  do  indeed 
hope  that  in  the  end  the  Church  would  gain  much  more  from  my 
increased  efficiency  than  it  would  lose  from  my  very  brief  absence. 
But  I  am  more  anxious  to  do  my  duty  and  to  conform  to  the  wishes  of 
my  friends  the  warden  and  the  vestry,  than  to  seek  any  mere  personal 
gratification;  and  if  they  shall  see  any  serious  objection  to  my  proposed 
absence  I  will  most  cheerfully  relinquish  the  plan.  Whatever  expense 
may  be  involved  in  the  supply  of  the  pulpit  and  of  private  ministrations 
I  shall  of  course  endeavor  to  meet  myself.  Commending  you  to  the 
blessing  of  Almighty  God,  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  sentiments  of  great 
esteem  and  regard, 

your  affectionate  friend  and  Pastor, 

Horatio  Potter." 
Albany,  May  26,   1845. 

Upon  reading  this  letter,  the  Vestry,  on  motion  of 
Mr.  Reynolds,  "resolved  unanimously :   That  the  ves- 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  285 

try  do  cordially  concur  in  the  proposed  arrangements  of 
our  beloved  rector  for  visiting  Europe  during  the  ensu- 
ing summer  and  autumn,  and  that  IVIr.  Spencer  be 
requested  to  prepare  a  letter  to  him  to  be  signed  by  the 
members  of  the  Vestry,  expressing  their  assent  to  his 
wishes  and  their  high  estimate  of  his  services  and 
character."  The  ready  pen  of  Mr.  Spencer  immediately 
drafted  this  response,  which  was  unanimously  approved 
by  the  vestry  and  sent  to  Dr.  Potter. 

"Albany,  May  26,  1845. 
Rev.  Horatio  Potter,  D.  D., 

Reverend  and  Dear  Sir. — The  undersigned,  wardens  and  vestry- 
men of  St.  Peter's  Church  in  the  city  of  Albany,  have  received  your 
communication  of  this  day  announcing  your  wish  to  recruit  your  health 
by  a  voyage  to  Europe  and  desiring  our  concurrence  in  your  views. 
Great  as  is  our  unwillingness  to  be  deprived,  even  temporarily,  of  your 
ministrations,  yet  we  cannot  be  insensible  to  the  claims  you  have  to 
such  a  relaxation  after  your  unremitting  devotion  to  your  pastoral  and 
pulpit  duties  for  a  long  series  of  years,  which  must  have  affected  your 
vigor  as  it  certainly  has  impaired  your  health.  The  excellent  arrange- 
ments you  have  made  to  supply  your  place  during  your  absence  will 
prevent  any  interruption  in  the  public  services  of  the  church  and  will 
provide  adequately  for  the  wants  of  the  congregation. 

"We  therefore  cheerfully  acquiesce  in  your  proposed  voyage,  com- 
mending you  to  the  care  of  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church  and  praying 
that  you  may  in  due  time  be  restored  to  us  with  renovated  health,  with 
renewed  vigor,  and  with  the  same  deep  and  zealous  devotion  to  the  cause 
of  the  Redeemer  and  to  the  Salvation  of  your  fellow  men,  which  your 
pastoral  life  with  us  has  so  long  and  so  signally  evinced.  Wherever 
you  may  go  our  faithful  affection  and  our  warmest  solicitude  will 
attend  you. 

"We  remain.  Reverend  and  dear  sir, 

your  faithful  friends  and  servants, 

John   Gott,  A.  Groesbeck, 

Marcus  T.  Reynolds,  W.  E.  Bleecker, 

Edwin  Croswell,  Orlando  Meads, 

J.  C.  Spencer,  James  Dexter, 

John  F.  Townsend,  V.  Ten  Eyck.  " 


286  Saint  Peter's  Church 

At  an  adjourned  meeting  held  on  the  next  day,  the 
salary  of  the  rector,  which  had  been  largely  in  arrears, 
and  an  advance  of  salary  to  the  twelfth  of  August  was 
ordered  to  be  paid  by  the  treasurer  "out  of  any  moneys 
in  his  hands  or  which  may  come  into  his  hands  belong- 
ing to  the  church." 

Dr.  Potter,  who  was  accompanied  by  his  wife,  had  a 
most  delightful  trip.  He  associated  at  this  time  with 
several  of  the  leaders  of  the  Oxford  movement,  by  whom 
both  Mrs.  Potter  and  himself  were  cordially  welcomed 
and  entertained.  In  a  familiar  letter  to  a  friend,  written 
from  "Brunswick  Hotel,  Hanover  Square,  London, 
September  12,  1845,"  he  says:  "Such  men  as  Keble  and 
Williams  and  Moberly,  and  the  Primus  of  the  Scotch 
Church,'  (and  a  noble  Primus  he  is!)  I  find  I  under- 
stand at  once,  and  we  get  on  comfortably  together. 
How  kind  they  have  all  been  to  me  and  what  lessons 
in  holiness  they  have  unconsciously  taught  me.  O  how 
little  the  men  who  revile  them  understand  them,  or 
understand  the  theological  age  upon  which  they  are 
fallen.  Even  Mr.  N.,  who  very  probably  may  take  a 
grievous  step^  (I  say  this  in  confidence),  how  little  will 
his  feelings  and  character  be  appreciated  by  his  revilers 
in  America.  *  *  *  Even  those  who  dissent  from 
him  and  will  not  go  with  him  regard  him  with  inexpres- 
sible reverence  and  affection."  In  the  same  letter  he 
thus  defined  his  position  in  regard  to  the  disputes  and 
controversy  in  the  Church  in  the  diocese  of  New  York: 
"As  to  Church  matters  at  home  I  am  tranquil,   leaving 

'  The  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  William  Skinner,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  who  suc- 
ceeded to  the  primacy  on  the  death  of  Bishop  Walker,  of  Edinburgh, 
in  1841, 

"  The  Rev.  John  Henry  Newman,  who  made  his  submission  to 
Rome,  October  9,  1846. 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio   Potter  287 

all  to  Him  who  can  make  the  folly  of  men  to  praise 
Him.  Each  party  I  think  would  soon  ruin  itself  but 
for  the  violence  and  blunders  of  the  opposite."^  Dr. 
Potter  prolonged  his  visit  until  late  in  the  fall  and 
returned  in  greatly  improved  health  and  spirits. 

Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  served  the  parish  with  signal 
success,  and  on  September  18,  the  vestry  passed  this 
resolution:  "That  this  vestry  highly  appreciate  the 
ability  and  faithfulness  with  which  the  Rev.  Mr.  Van 
Rensselaer  has  ministered  in  this  parish  during  the 
absence  of  its  rector:  and  they  respectfully  request  that 
if  it  be  compatible  with  his  arrangements,  he  will  con- 
tinue to  act  as  the  assistant  minister  of  this  parish  until 
the  return  of  the  rector."  This  second  service  in  the 
parish  was  the  augury  of  the  long  and  successful  ministry 
of  one  who  has  since  attained  high  honors  in  the  Church, 
the  Rev.  Maunsell  Van  Rensselaer,  D.  D.,  LL.D., 
sometime  President  of  Hobart  College,  Geneva,  N.  Y." 
The  action  of  the  vestry  was  no  mere  complimentary 
vote,  for  on  December  22,  of  the  same  year  it  was 
resolved:  "That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  be 
requested  to  accept  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  dollars  as  an  expression  of  our  high  respect  for  him 
personally,  and  of  our  sense  of  his  very  able  and  accept- 
able services  as  assistant  minister  of  this  Church  during 
the  absence  of  the  rector:  and  that  Mr.  Bleecker  and 
Mr.  Meads  be  a  Committee  to  cause  this  resolution  to 
be  carried  into  effect." 

Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  had  become  interested  in  the 
spiritual  condition   of  the  upper  part  of  the  city.      On 

'  Quoted  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Dix  in  Centennial  History  of  the  Diocese  of 
New  York,  p.   191. 

°  See  appendix  for  a  sketch  of  Dr.  Van  Rensselaer. 


288  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Sexagesima  Sunday,  February  15,  1846,  he  commenced 
holding  services  in  a  room  over  a  store  on  the  corner  of 
State  and  Lark  streets.  On  the  Sunday  after  Ascension, 
May  24,  I  846,  a  parish  was  organized  and  named  Grace 
Church.  The  Rev.  Maunsell  Van  Rensselaer  was 
elected  Rector,  and  Mr.  Wm.  R.  Ford  and  Dr.  Henry 
D.  Paine  were  chosen  Wardens.^ 

In  December,  1845,  Messrs.  Reynolds,  Gott  and 
Meads  were  chosen  as  "a  Committee  to  procure  plans 
and  estimates  for  a  new  Rectory,  or  for  an  addition  to 
the  present  one,  and  report  the  same  if  possible  by  the 
twentieth  of  January  ensuing."  There  was  no  imme- 
diate result  for  the  vestry  took  no  further  action  until 
December  3,  1846.  Mr.  Marcus  T.  Reynolds,  the 
senior  warden,  then  stated  to  the  vestry,  that  a  meeting 
of  the  male  members  of  the  parish  had  been  held  in 
September,  when  Mr.  Matthew  Gregory  was  appointed 
chairman,  and  Mr.  Orlando  Meads  secretary,  and  a 
committee  consisting  of  Messrs.  Marcus  T.  Reynolds, 
James  Stevenson,  John  Gott,  Edwin  Crosswell  and 
James  Kidd  was  requested  to  procure  plans  and  esti- 
mates, and  secure  subscriptions  for  the  new  rectory. 
The  committee  had  obtained  a  plan  from  Mr.  Rector 
with  full  specifications  and  they  had  received  from 
several  builders  their  estimate  of  the  cost  of  erection. 
Three  thousand  dollars  had  already  been  subscribed  and 
additional  subscriptions  amounting  to  five  hundred  dol- 
lars more  were  expected.  The  lowest  bid  for  the  execu- 
tion of  the  mason  work  was  by  James  Turner  for  the 
sum  of  $2,550.00,  and  for  the  carpenter  work  by  Bruce 
&  Clemshire  for  $2,575.00.    On  motion  of  Mr.  Spencer, 

'  History  of  Grace  Church,  corner  Clinton  Avenue  and   Robin  St., 

Albany,  N.  Y.      (Albany,  Gilliland  Bros.      1894.)      p.  ;. 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio   Potter  289 

the  plans  and  specifications  were  approved  and  the  com- 
mittee authorized  to  contract  with  the  above  mentioned 
lowest  bidders.  On  February  10,  1847,  the  building 
committee  reported:  "that  in  pursuance  of  the  instruc- 
tions of  the  vestry  they  had  caused  contracts  for  the 
erection  of  the  new  Rectory  to  be  prepared  and  executed 
between  the  Church  and  Messrs.  Bruce  &  Clemshire  & 
James  Turner,  contractors."  The  house  was  erected 
immediately  in  the  rear  of  the  church,  on  the  corner  of 
Lodge  street  and  Maiden  Lane,  and  the  old  rectory  and 
other  buildings  were  removed.  It  was  the  home  of  the 
rectors  of  the  parish  until  the  building  of  the  present 
church  edifice  required  its  removal.  The  total  cost  of 
the  new  rectory  was  sixty-five  hundred  dollars  and  a 
balance  of  nearly  two  thousand  dollars  not  covered  by 
subscriptions  was  borrowed  by  the  vestry  in  September, 
1847. 

The  music  of  the  parish  had  been  for  many  years  a 
matter  under  the  direction  of  a  competent  music  com- 
mittee. In  June,  1846,  on  the  resignation  of  Mr. 
Wheeler  as  organist,  the  following  proposition  from  a 
young  musician  who  has  since  risen  to  the  greatest  emi- 
nence in  his  profession,  was  accepted  by  the  vestry: 

"Albany,  June  20,  1846. 
The  Vestry  of  St.  Peter's  Church  : 

Gentlemen. — Being  desirous  of  improving  myself  in  organ  practise, 
I  propose  to  officiate  as  your  organist  for  tiie  term  of  six  months  with- 
out charge;  and  at  the  expiration  of  the  term  if  I  succeed  in  pleasing 
you  I  should  be  happy  to  be  engaged  as  your  organist  at  a  stated  salary. 

Very  respc'y  your  ob't  serv't, 

G.  W.  Warren." 

The  music  of  the  church  service  was  rendered  more 
appropriately  and  devoutly  and  at  the  expiration  of  six 
19 


290  Saint  Peter's  Church 

months  Mr.  Warren  was  engaged  as  organist.  In  1848 
his  salary  was  fixed  at  a  rate  not  to  exceed  $200.00,  and 
the  choir  of  St.  Peter's  gained  a  reputation  for  churchly 
and  excellent  music. 

On  June  8,  1847,  Mrs.  Potter,  who  had  been  the 
loved  helpmeet  of  her  husband  in  every  good  work,  and 
whose  gentle  ministrations  had  endeared  her  to  many 
both  in  the  parish  and  the  city,  entered  into  the  rest  of 
God's  saints.  At  a  special  session,  the  vestry  adopted 
a  memorial  in  which  they  speak  of  Mrs.  Potter  as  a  loss 
to  the  church  "which  they  can  scarcely  hope  time  will 
repair,  and  each  one  among  us  mourns  the  departure  of 
a  friend  *  *  '"'  She  acquired  the  esteem  and  affect- 
ion of  all  who  knew  her  and  especially  of  the  destitute 
and  suffering  to  whom  she  was  a  ministering  angel." 

In  a  touching  reply  from  the  rector,  he  gratefully 
acknowledges  the  sympathy  of  the  vestry,  and  says: 
"It  is  my  earnest  prayer  to  Him  who  makes  use  of 
suffering  as  a  means  of  instruction  and  sanctification, 
that  He  would  be  pleased  by  the  teaching  of  this  heavy 
trial  to  impart  more  depth  and  spiritual  wisdom  as  well 
as  more  earnestness  and  tenderness  to  all  my  efforts  to 
edify  and  console  the  beloved  people  ot  my  spiritual 
charge." 

In  January,  1849,  ^^^  embarrassments  of  the  parish 
culminated,  for  the  lot  upon  which  the  church  building 
stood  had  been  sold  by  the  corporation  of  the  city  two 
years  before  for  an  unpaid  assessment  for  paving  State 
street,  with  the  privilege  of  redemption  previous  to  Jan- 
uary 20,  1849.  Under  these  circumstances  the  vestry 
met  in  grave  deliberation.  A  letter  was  read  from  the 
rector  in  which  the  inconveniences  to  which  he  was  sub- 
jected in  consequence  of  the  non-payment  of  his  salary 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  291 

were  mentioned,  and  a  full  and  frank  statement  of  the 
condition  of  the  parish  was  authorized  to  be  prepared 
by  Messrs.  Spencer,  Meads  and  Bleecker,  which  was 
to  be  printed  and  placed  in  the  hands  of  every  member 
of  the  congregation.  It  was  also  determined  that  a 
meeting  of  the  congregation  should  be  called  previous 
to  January  21,  to  advise  the  vestry  as  to  the  course  to 
be  adopted.  From  this  strong  and  humiliating  state- 
ment the  following  extracts  will  be  of  permanent  value. 
They  show  clearly  the  manner  in  which  a  property 
situated  in  the  very  heart  of  the  city,  which  now  would 
have  afforded  a  large  income  to  increase  the  present 
usefulness  of  the  parish,  was  sacrificed. 
"  To  the  owners  of  pews  and  the  Congregation  generally 
of  St.  Peter  s  Church,  Albany  : 

"A  crisis  in  the  financial  affairs  of  the  Church  has 
at  length  arrived  which  demands  instant  attention  to 
prevent  the  most  disastrous  consequences.  The  Church 
edifice  and  the  lot  on  which  it  is  situated  were  sold  two 
years  since  to  pay  an  assessment  for  paving  State  street, 
with  a  privilege  of  redemption  which  expires  on  the 
20th  of  the  present  month  of  January,  and  unless 
redeemed  the  title  must  pass  out  of  the  Corporation. 
Besides  this  there  is  a  considerable  debt  incurred  for  the 
unavoidable  expenses  of  public  worship,  due  to  such 
persons,  and  under  such  circumstances,  that  its  longer 
continuance  is  absolutely  disreputable,  and  a  further 
refusal  to  discharge  it  must  subject  us  to  the  imputation 
of   gross  injustice. 

"Efforts  have  been  made  for  the  last  six  months  by 
the  circulation  of  a  subscription  paper,  to  obtain  the 
means  of  satisfying  the  most  urgent  of  these  debts. 
Although   a   few   liberal   subscriptions   have  been  made 


292  Saint  Peter's  Church 

the  great  body  of  pew  owners  have  declined  contribu- 
ting. Some,  doubtless,  have  felt  the  injustice  of  what 
should  be  a  common  and  equal  burden,  being  thus 
assumed  by  a  few  for  the  benefit  and  accommodation  of 
others  who  are  equally  able.  From  such  and  other 
causes  all  their  efforts  have  failed,  and  it  has  become 
the  painful  duty  of  the  Vestry  to  apprise  you,  that 
unless  immediate  provision  for  the  relief  of  the  Church 
be  made,  it  can  no  longer  be  continued,  but  it  must  be 
closed  and  abandoned.      *     *     * 

"You  are  therefore,  earnestly  invited  to  attend  a  meet- 
ing of  the  members  of  the  congregation  at  the  Church 
on  Tuesday  afternoon,  the  i6th  instant,  at  3  o'clock 
for  the  above  purposes.      *     *     * 

"You  have  a  right  to  ask,  how  has  it  happened  with 
such  a  large  and  wealthy  congregaiton,  such  an  arrear  of 
debt  has  accrued? 

"Those  familiar  with  the  history  of  the  Church  know 
the  explanation ;  many,  however,  are  doubtless  unin- 
formed. When  the  pews  were  originally  let,  the  cor- 
poration possessed  property  supposed  to  be  adequate  or 
nearly  so  to  the  current  expense  of  maintaining  public 
worship;  and  the  rent  reserved  in  the  leases  were  con- 
sequently fixed  at  rates  little  more  than  nominal.  The 
following  were  the  rates  reserved :  upon  eleven  pews, 
I3  each ;  upon  32  pews,  $4  each ;  upon  45  pews,  I5  each  ; 
upon  two  pews,  ^6  each;  upon  five  pews,  $S  each,  and 
upon  two  pews,  |io  each,  making  an  annual  revenue 
of  I456,  if  all  the  rents  were  collected.  This  was  the 
fatal  error  which  has  embarrassed  the  Church  and  de- 
ranged its  finances  at  every  subsequent  period  of  its 
history.  The  ordinary  annual  expenses  constantly 
exceeded  the  income  derived  from   the  property   of  the 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  293 

Church  and  from  its  pew  rents.  Instead  of  meeting 
and  preventing  further  deficiencies  by  raising  the  pew 
rents  to  amounts  bearing  some  proportion  to  the  advan- 
tages of  occupying  seats  in  a  house  of  public  worship, 
the  Vestries  of  those  days  borrowed  money  to  pay  off 
the  annual  deficit;  and  when  they  found  themselves 
equally  unable  to  pay  the  interest  on  these  loans  they 
resorted  to  a  sale  of  a  portion  of  their  real  estate  *  *  * 
until  about  four  years  since  when  the  last  vestige  of  the 
Church  property,  except  its  edifice,  rectory  and  the  lot 
on  which  they  are  built,  was  disposed  of,  and  the  Cor- 
poration was  left  with  a  debt  of  $1650  and  nothing  but 
pew  rents  to  defray  its  annual  expenses  and  pay  the 
interest  on  the  debt.  The  records  of  the  Church  bear 
abundant  evidence  that  the  inevitable  result  was  antici- 
pated by  some  of  the  former  vestries,  or  by  members  of 
them,  and  in  repeated  printed  reports  the  condition  of 
the  finances  and  their  headlong  tendency  to  bankruptcy 
were  distinctly  exhibited  and  the  only  effectual  remedy, 
that  of  raising  the  pew  rents  urged.      '■'     *     * 

"The  result,  however,  of  these  efforts  so  far  has  been 
to  secure  to  the  Church  an  annual  revenue  from  the 
rents  of  the  pews  of  12,173.50  as  appears  from  the 
annexed  statement  of  the  Treasurer.      '''     '■^"     * 

"By  the  same  statement  it  will  be  seen  that  the  ordi- 
nary annual  expenses  of  the  Church  have  been  gradually 
and  regularly  reduced  annually  for  the  last  five  years 
and  they  now  amount  to  the  sum  of $2,285.00 

"To  this  must  be  added  the  annual  repairs, 
which  for  the  last  six  years  have  averaged.  $215.00 

$2,500.00 
This  is  the  lowest  sum  it  is  safe  to  estimate.       *     *     * 


294  Saint  Peter's  Church 

"How  these   objects  are  to  be  attained,  you,  and  you 

only,    can    decide;     and    you    only     can    provide    the 

means.         '^      ' 

"By  order  and  in  behalf  of  the  Vestry, 

J.  C.  Spencer,  \ 

Orlando  Meads,  >  Committee. 

William  E.  Bleecker,  ) 

Albany,  January   lo,  1849." 

A  statement  from  the  treasurer,  Mr.  James  Dexter, 
which  was  appended  to  this  appeal  to  the  Congregation, 
gave  a  full  account  of  the  resources  and  indebtedness  of 
the  parish.      The  debt  of  the  church  is  thus  given: 

"The  debt  of  the  Church  is  made  up  of  the  follow- 
ing   items: — 

Bond  and  Mortgage  to  the  Common  Prayer 

Book  Society 11,650.00 

Interest  due  thereon,  January  ist,  1849.  .  .  200.00 
Rector's  salary  to  ist  November,    1848.  .  .  1,215.00 
Assessments  for  repairs.  State  St.,  and   in- 
terest to  20th  January,  1849 637.76 

Boardman  and  Van  Voast 228.94 

George  W.  Warren,  late  organist 87.50 

James  Dickson 9.00 

Mrs.  Williams  (singer)  to    ist   November, 

1 848 25.00 

Collector    25.00 

Wood  delivered 25.00 

James    Dexter,  advances   towards   Rector's 

salary 219.19 

Purchase  of  pews,  including  interest  to    ist 

January,    1 849 53^- ^9 

14,855.40 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  295 

The  arrears  of  pews  considered  collectible 

amount  to  the  sum  of 650.00 


§4,205.40 
There  is  also  a   balance   due  for  the   Rec- 
tory, amounting  to  about $2,000.00 

Provision  for  the  immediate  payment  of  which  is  not 
necessary." 

The  vestry  in  this  "Statement"  requested  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Congregation  to  meet  in  "the  Church  on 
Tuesday  afternoon  the  i6th  instant  at  3  o'clock." 
Notice  was  given  during  divine  service  on  the  preced- 
ing Sunday  "by  the  officiating  clergyman."  The  meet- 
ing was  called  to  order  at  half  past  three  o'clock  when 
twenty-three  men  of  especial  prominence  in  the  parish 
were  found  to  be  present.^ 

Mr.  Stevenson  was  chosen  chairman  and  IVIr.  J.  Tay- 
lor, secretary.  After  a  full  and  earnest  discussion,  the 
resolutions  of  the  Hon.  Amasa  J.  Parker,  couched  in 
his  well  known  precise  terms,  were  adopted,  which 
appointed  Messrs.  John  C.  Spencer,  Orlando  Meads 
and  William  E.  Bleecker,  a  committee  to  arrange 
with  the  holder  of  the  certificate  of  sale  of  the  church 
to  transfer  his  interest  in  it  to  "Trustees  to  be  named 
by  the  said  committee  to  hold  the  same  and  the  title  to 
the  said  property." 

The  purposes  of  the  trust  are  then  very  clearly  de- 
fined. The  first  was:  that  the  vestry  may,  in  their  dis- 
cretion, "assess  each  and  any  pew  in  the  church  its  just 
proportion  of  the  whole  debt  now  owing  by  the  said 
Church  which  shall  not  be  extinguished  by  voluntary 
subscriptions."  The  second  was:  that  the  vestry  "also 
assess  upon  each  pew  in  just  proportion  to  its  value 
'  See  appendix  for  a  full  list. 


296  Saint  Peter's  Church 

an  annual  rent,  so  that  such  rents  shall  produce  an 
annual  income  of  at  least  three  thousand  two  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars  to  defray  the  ordinary  annual  expenses 
of  the  Church."  The  third  was:  that  the  trustees 
were  to  offer  to  all  pew  owners  a  new  form  of  lease,  in 
which  it  was  provided  that  the  rents  should  be  paid  in 
semi-annual  installments  or  the  pews  were  to  be  for- 
feited ;  the  annual  rents  of  all  the  pews  were  to  be 
increased  if  necessary  by  a  vote  of  the  majority  of  the 
pewholders;  the  vestry  reserved  the  right  to  assess  the 
pews  equitably  for  the  payment  of  any  assessment  upon 
the  property  of  the  parish.  All  who,  after  reasonable 
notice,  refused  to  accept  this  new  lease  were  to  have 
their  pews  offered  for  sale  to  the  highest  bidder. 

This  clear  and  carefully  drawn  plan  was  approved  by 
the  vestry  on  January  24,  1849.  Mr.  Watts  Sherman, 
the  holder  of  the  certificate  of  sale  and  a  member  of  the 
parish,  was  waited  upon  by  the  committee,  the  plan  sub- 
mitted to  him,  and  he  agreed,  on  the  repayment  of  the 
sum  due  on  the  certificate  of  sale,  to  deed  to  the  persons 
chosen  by  the  committee  his  right  and  interest  in  the 
property.  On  January  19th,  he  gave  a  release  to  the 
corporation  of  St.  Peter's  of  the  rectory  house  lot,  and 
vacant  lot  adjoining,  and  "by  another  deed  bearing  date 
the  same  day  conveyed  the  lot  upon  which  the  Church 
edifice  is,  to  John  C.  Spencer,  Esq.,  who  immediately 
on  the  execution  and  delivery  thereof  executed  a  con- 
veyance thereof  to  James  Stevenson,  Daniel  D.  Bar- 
nard and  Watts  Sherman  for  the  uses  and  purposes 
specified  in  such  conveyance  to  execute  the  powers  and 
trusts  therein  specified  and  declared."  Mr.  John  Gott, 
Mr.  Visscher  Ten  Eyck  and  Mr.  Orlando  Meads,  were 
appointed  to  assess   the   pews   for  the   increased  rental. 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  297 

Mr.  John  C.  Spencer,  Mr.  Marcus  T.  Reynolds  and 
Mr.  John  Taylor  were  appointed  "to  make  an  equitable 
assessment  and  apportionment  of  the  sums  necessary  to 
discharge  the  debts  of  the  said  corporation."  The  same 
committee  was  also  requested  to  prepare  a  proper  form 
of  lease  and  submit  it  to  the  vestry. 

On  January  31  the  committees  reported  that  the  pews 
had  been  assessed  for  the  debt  "in  the  sum  of  six  thous- 
and, two  hundred  and  fifty-two  dollars;"  and  for  the 
support  of  the  parish  "in  the  sum  of  thirty-five  hun- 
dred and  seventy-eight  dollars  per  annum."  The 
reports  were  approved  by  the  vestry  and  the  assessments 
ordered  to  be  made. 

A  committee  of  three  members  of  the  vestry,  Mr. 
John  C.  Spencer,  Mr.  Orlando  Meads,  Mr.  Wm.  E. 
Bleecker,  were  appointed  "to  assist  the  trustees  and 
persons  named  in  the  conveyance  mentioned  above,  in 
the  execution  of  the  trusts  and  powers  conferred  on 
them." 

Judge  Parker's  well  considered  plan  had  relieved  the 
parish  from  the  great  burden  of  debt.  With  few  excep- 
tions, the  congregation  had  heartily  assented  to  the 
assessments  and  increased  pew  rents.  In  March,  1850, 
Judge  Spencer  and  Mr.  John  Taylor,  the  committee 
on  the  treasurer's  report,  presented  an  encouraging 
statement.  The  debt  had  been  reduced  to  $3,259.38 
with  assets  for  its  payment  of  $1,723.25.  The  com- 
mittee maintained,  "If  prompt  measures  are  taken  to 
collect  the  available  means,  a  considerable  portion  of  the 
permanent  debt  can  be  discharged  and  the  Church 
relieved  from  the  payment  of  interest."  They  sug- 
gested the  creation  of  a  sinking  fund  by  which  in  the 
course  of  five  or  six   years    the   whole   debt   could    be 


298  Saint  Peter's  Church 

discharged.  The  prudent  management  and  wise  fore- 
thought of  the  men  of  1849  had  averted  the  calamity 
that  the  men  of  previous  years  had  allowed  to  imperil 
the  very  existence  of  the  parish. 

The  relief  from  the  debt  which  had  so  long  oppressed 
St.  Peter's  was  shown  in  the  greater  energy  and  devo- 
tion with  which  priest  and  people  worked  together  for 
the  advancement  of  the  Church  in  the  city,  and  the 
engaging  in  new  works  of  piety  and  mercy.  Miss 
Knaop  was  carrying  on  the  same  systematic  visitation 
of  the  poor  and  destitute  that  Mrs.  Potter  had  done, 
and  gathering  the  children  into  her  "ragged  school." 
Mr.  Wm.  H.  DeWitt  was  contemplating  the  exten- 
sion of  the  Church  in  the  northern  part  of  the  city 
by  the  erection  of  a  suitable  church  building  as  a 
memorial  of  his  four  children.  It  was  time  for  the 
Church  in  Albany  to  lengthen  her  cords  and  strengthen 
her  stakes. 

In  the  summer  of  1849  ^^-  DeWitt  carried  out  his 
intention  by  selecting  the  corner  of  North  Pearl  and 
Colonic  streets  as  the  site  of  the  memorial  Church  of 
the  Holy  Innocents.  The  design,  which  is  pure  Early 
English  Gothic,  was  furnished  by  Mr.  Dudley.  The 
corner  stone  was  laid  on  June  7,  1849,  '^"'^  ^^^  parish 
incorporated  on  February  16,  1850.  The  church, 
which  made  a  notable  and  attractive  addition  to  the 
architecture  of  the  city,  was  consecrated  on  September 
3,  1850.  The  Rev.  Sylvanus  Reed  became  its  rector 
and  soon  built  up  a  working  parish. 

Miss  Knapp's  work  had  so  developed  that  it  seemed 
advisable  for  its  friends  in  December,  1853,  to  associate 
themselves  under  the  name  of  "The  Juvenile  Retreat 
of  the  City  of  Albany."      Its   purpose  was   "to   main- 


I 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  299 

tain  a  free  institution  for  the  care  and  instruction  of  des- 
titute children,  and  for  the  furnishing  them  at  the  same 
time,  so  far  as  in  each  case  may  be  desirable,  with  food, 
clothing  and  lodging."^  Several  of  the  associators  were 
members  of  St.  Peter's,  and  the  Retreat  had  the  cordial 
support  of  Dr.  Potter. 

The  serious  affliction  which  came  to  the  diocese  of 
New  York  by  the  indefinite  suspension  of  its  Bishop, 
Dr.  Benjamin  T.  Onderdonk;  the  rage  of  party  strife 
and  debate  to  which  it  gave  rise;  the  dismal  forebod- 
ings for  the  future  of  the  Church  uttered  by  some  who 
saw  with  alarm  the  spread  of  the  doctrine  of  the  Oxford 
tracts;  and  the  suspicion,  hatred  and  ill  will  which  took 
the  place  of  brotherly  love  in  the  diocesan  councils  and 
public  utterances  of  New  York  churchmen,  are  the  sad 
details  of  diocesan  history  for  nearly  a  decade.  The 
parishes  of  the  diocese  felt  the  evil  effects  of  this 
unhappy  state  of  affairs. 

The  delegates  from  St.  Peter's  to  the  Diocesan  Con- 
ventions were  usually  men  of  national  as  well  as  local 
reputation.  Mr.  Spencer,  Mr.  Meads  and  others  of 
the  parish  had  strong  and  broad  opinions  upon  the  topics 
of  debate  in  the  diocese  and  expressed  them  with  dignity 
and  vigor.  Mr.  Spencer's  report  of  the  Convention  of 
1845,  which  he  made  to  the  vestry  of  St.  Peter's,  led 
to  a  controversy  with  the  opponents  of  Bishop 
Onderdonk.  Dr.  Potter's  attitude  has  already  been 
indicated. 

In  1850,  the  General  Convention  came  to  the  relief 
of  the  diocese  by  the  passage  of  a  canon  allowing  the 
election  of  a  provisional  bishop  when   the   bishop   of  a 

'  For  a  copy  of  the  Certificate  at"  Association  see  appendix. 


300  Saint  Peter's  Church 

diocese  had  been  indefinitely  suspended.^  It  was  to 
many  a  disappointment  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  Creigh- 
ton,  who  was  elected  in  1851,  declined  the  delicate  and 
trying  position.  The  preeminence  of  Dr.  Potter  had 
been  recognized  by  his  brethren  and  on  several  occa- 
sions he  had  been  mentioned  in  connection  with 
Episcopal  elections.  His  friends  had  considered  him 
the  most  suitable  clergyman  to  become  the  provisional 
bishop,  as  he  had  not  identified  himself  with  the  fac- 
tions in  the  diocese,  but  had  cordial  and  pleasant  rela- 
tions with  men  of  all  parties.  He  had  not,  as  he  said 
"bothered  his  head  about  the  matter."  It  was  to  him 
a  great  relief,  as  well  as  gratification,  that  the  choice  of 
the  diocese  in  1852  fell  upon  the  learned  and  polished 
scholar.  Dr.  Wainright.  With  the  whole  Church  he  had 
mourned  the  shortness  of  his  wise  and  energetic  episco- 
pate.     Bishop   Wainright  died   September  21,  1854. 

The  convention  of  the  diocese  met  in  St.  John's 
Chapel,  New  York  City,  on  September  28th.  There 
was  much  earnest  debate  among  the  members  of  the 
convention  as  to  the  most  fitting  successor  of  Bishop 
Wainright.  Francis  Vinton,  eloquent  and  practical,  then 
adding  to  his  reputation  by  his  work  in  Trinity  Parish, 
New  York;  Benjamin  I.  Haight,  a  vigorous  debater 
and  sound  theologian,  a  power  in  the  diocese;  Robert 
W.  Harris,  whose  abilities  were  highly  esteemed  by 
many ;  Francis  L.  Hawks,  the  versatile  orator  and  his- 
torian, were  among  the  clergymen  who  were  most  promi- 
nently named.  Each  had  a  large  number  of  friends  who 
contested  sharply  every  point  made  in  favor  of  any  one 

'  For  the  course  of  action  in  the  General  Convention  and  the  Canon, 
see  Journal  General  Convention  of  1850,  pp.  23,  41,  56,  61,  63,  71, 
92,  94.,  127,  136,  145;  also  Constitution  and  Canons  (in  Journal  of 
1850),  p.   57. 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  301 

else.  Dr.  Potter  had  not  sought  the  office,  but  on  the 
first  ballot  he  received  twenty-nine  clerical  and  twenty- 
two  lay  votes  and  his  strength  gradually  increased  until 
on  the  eighth  ballot  he  was  elected  by  ninety-seven 
clerical  and  seventy-five  lay  votes  as  Provisional  Bishop 
of  New  York.  It  was  late  at  night  on  the  feast  of  St. 
Michael  and  All  Angels,  but  the  scene  in  the  crowded 
church  will  long  be  remembered,  when  the  thanksgiv- 
ing of  the  diocese  went  up  in  the  strains  of  the  Gloria 
in  Excelsis,  and  the  bishop-elect  in  a  few  simple  words 
asked  for  the  prayers  and  support  of  the  members  of 
the  convention. 

To  St.  Peter's  the  election  of  Dr.  Potter  was  a  costly 
honor.  At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  held  on  November 
nth,  1854,  at  the  rectory.  Dr.  Potter  presented  the 
following  letter  of  resignation: — 

"  To  the  Wardens  and  Festry  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Albany: 

My  Dear  Brethren  and  Friends.  —  I  am  about  to  perform  one  of 
the  most  painful  acts  of  my  life.  For  many  years  it  has  been  a  cher- 
ished thought  with  me,  that  here  I  might  hope  to  continue  to  exercise 
my  quiet,  peaceful,  unobtrusive  ministry  in  the  midst  of  beloved  friends, 
until  the  end  should  come,  and  that  here  soothed  by  the  presence  and 
kindness  of  many  affectionate  hearts,  I  should  at  last  rest  from  my 
labors.  But  it  has  pleased  the  adorable  Head  of  the  Church  to  order 
otherwise.  I  have  been  chosen  and  shall  probably  soon  be  consecrated 
to  the  office  of  chief  pastor  of  this,  by  far  the  largest  Diocese  of  our 
country.  I  will  only  say  that  every  thing  that  has  happened  has  taken 
place  without  any  action  on  my  part  other  than  that  of  passive  submis- 
sion to  the  will  of  God. 

"In  assuming  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  Diocese  in  place  of  a  single 
parish  it  is  a  consolation  to  me  to  reflect,  that  in  all  the  flock  among 
whom  I  have  lived  and  labored  for  nearly  twenty-two  years,  there  is  not 
a  family,  not  an  individual,  between  whom  and  myself  there  are  any 
other  than  the  most  friendly  feelings  and  relations.  I  am  never  prob- 
ably   to   have  another   parish;   this    I  shall   ever  look  upon  as  mine  in  a 


302  Saint  Peter's  Church 

peculiar  and  endearing  sense  and  I  shall  ever  return  to  it,  I  hope  and 
trust,  as  a  man  returns  to  his  home,  to  his  nearest  and  dearest  relations. 
I  pray  God  to  send  you  a  faithful  pastor,  and  to  give  you  hearts  to  be 
as  kind  and  indulgent  and  dutiful  towards  him,  as  you  have  ever  been 
towards  me.  I  hereby  lay  before  you  my  resignation  of  the  parish,  to 
take  effect  after  my  consecration  and  immediately  after  the  induction 
into  office  of  my  successor.  With  every  feeling  of  affectionate  regard 
for  you  and  for  all  the  members  of  this  beloved  parish,  and  with  fervent 
prayer  for  your  and  their  temporal  and  eternal  well  being,  I  remain. 
Most  truly  and  faithfully. 

Your  friend  and  Pastor, 

Horatio  Potter." 

The  vestry  resolved  "that  the  communication  of  the 
Rev'd  Dr.  Potter  be  entered  upon  the  minutes,  and 
that  Mr.  Barnard,  Mr.  Plumb  and  Mr.  Meads  be  a 
committee  to  prepare  a  suitable  reply."  Space  is  left  in 
the  minutes  for  the  insertion  of  their  reply  but  it  was 
never  entered.  It  was  signed  by  the  wardens  and  every 
member  of  the  vestry,  and  presented  to  the  bishop-elect. 
With  generous  zeal  for  the  welfare  of  the  Church  in 
Albany,  the  vestry  informed  Dr.  Potter  "that  it 
would  be  a  source  of  great  gratification  to  the 
members  of  the  parish  and  to  the  citizens  of  Albany 
generally,  should  the  Provisional  Bishop-elect  find  it 
compatible  with  his  duties  and  convenience  to  make 
this  city  the  seat  of  his  episcopal  residence;  and  with 
this  view  we  hereby  tender  to  him  the  use  of  the  Rec- 
tory of  St.  Peter's  for  an  episcopal  residence  so  long  as 
he  may  see  fit  to  occupy  it  for  that  purpose." 

On  Wednesday,  November  22,  1854,  in  Trinity 
Church,  New  York  City,  Horatio  Potter  was  conse- 
crated bishop.  The  service  was  probably  the  most 
impressive  and  elaborate  that  had  ever  been  held  in  the 
American   Church,   and    was   enthusiastically   described 


The  Rt.  Rev.  Horatio  Potter,  D.D. 
Rector  of  St.  Peter'' i,   1833-18^4 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  303 

in  the  press  of  the  day.  The  church  was  crowded  with 
a  devout  congregation.  Morning  Prayer  was  begun  by 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  H.  Taylor,  rector  of  Grace 
Church,  New  York.  city.  The  first  lesson,  Ezekiel 
XXXIII,  i-io,  was  read  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Francis  Vin- 
ton, of  Trinity  Church,  and  the  second  lesson,  Acts 
XVIII,  17-36,  was  read  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  R.  W.  Har- 
ris, of  Grace  Church,  White  Plains.  The  Creed  and 
Prayers  were  said  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  J.  H.  Price,  of  St. 
Stephen's  Church,  New  York  City.  The  Commun- 
ion Office  was  begun  by  the  Bishop  of  Vermont, 
Dr.  Hopkins,  the  Epistle,  I.  S.  Timothy  III,  i,  was 
read  by  the  Bishop  of  Iowa,  (Dr.  Henry  W.  Lee),  the 
Gospel  S.  John  XXI  15,  was  read  by  the  Bishop  of 
Illinois,  (Dr.  Whitehouse).  The  graceful  courtesy  of 
inviting  the  Most  Rev.  Francis  Fulford,  Lord  Bishop 
of  Montreal  and  Metropolitan  of  Canada,  to  preach  the 
consecration  sermon  was  another  link  in  the  chain  of 
Christian  love  binding  together  the  Church  in  Canada 
and  the  United  States.  His  subject  was  "The  Episco- 
pal Office."  It  was  a  full  and  admirable  elucidation  of 
his  text,  S.  John  XVII,  11.  The  sermon  was  printed 
and  had  a  wide  circulation.  An  anthem  composed  by  the 
organist  of  the  parish,  the  well  known  Edward  Hodges, 
Mus.  Doc.  for  the  expected  consecration  of  Dr.  Creigh- 
ton,  was  admirably  sung.  The  Bishop-elect  was  pre- 
sented to  the  Presiding  Bishop,  the  venerable  Dr. 
Brownell  of  Connecticut,  by  the  Bishop  of  Pennsylva- 
nia, Dr.  Alonzo  Potter,  and  the  assistant  Bishop  of 
Connecticut,  Dr.  John  Williams.  The  testimony  from 
the  Convention  was  read  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Eigenbrodt, 
secretary  of  the  diocese,  the  consents  of  the  standing 
committees  were  read  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Haight,  profes- 


304  Saint  Peter's  Church 

sor  of  Pastoral  Theology  in  the  General  Theological 
Seminary,  the  consents  of  the  Bishops  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Van  Kleeck,  secretary  of  the  Domestic  Committee  of 
the  Board  of  Missions,  the  Litany  and  Prayers  were  said 
by  the  Bishop  of  Massachusetts,  (Dr.  Eastburn),  the 
Interrogatories  were  put  by  the  Bishop  of  New  Jersey, 
(Dr.  Doane).  The  attending  Presbyters,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Bedell,  of  the  Church  of  the  Ascension,  New  York 
city,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Tucker,  of  the  Church  of  the 
Holy  Cross,  Troy,  then  vested  Dr.  Potter  with 
the  episcopal  habit.  The  Presiding  Bishop  com- 
menced the  Veni,  Creator  Spiritus,  to  which  the  whole 
congregation  responded  and  offered  the  solemn  prayer 
immediately  before  the  consecration.  The  Bishop 
of  Montreal,  the  Bishop  of  Vermont,  the  Bishop  of 
New  Jersey,  the  Bishop  of  Michigan  (Dr.  McCoskry), 
the  Bishop  of  Maryland  (Dr.  Whittingham)  and  the 
Bishop  of  Pennsylvania  (Dr.  Alonzo  Potter)  joined  with 
the  Presiding  Bishop  in  the  act  of  consecration.  Bishop 
Brownell  was  assisted  in  the  celebration  of  the  Holy 
Communion  by  Bishop  Williams,  Bishop  McCoskry  and 
Bishop  Whittingham.  The  concluding  prayer  was  said 
and  the  benediction  pronounced  by  the  Presiding  Bishop. 
Bishop  Potter's  first  episcopal  act  was  the  consecration 
of  Trinity  Church,  East  New  York,  on  the  day  follow- 
ing his  consecration.  He  returned  to  Albany,  and  offi- 
ciated in  St.  Peter's  as  far  as  his  episcopal  duties 
allowed  him,  although  the  imperative  claims  of  New 
York  city,  then  as  now  the  centre  of  Church  life  and 
work,  made  it  necessary  that  he  should  reside  in  that 
city.  In  December,  1854,  Bishop  Potter  held  an  ordina- 
tion in  St.  Peter's  when  the  Rev.  W.  J.  Alger  and  the 
Rev.  W.  W.  Capron  were  ordained  priests. 


Rectorship  of  Dr.   Horatio  Potter  305 

Bishop  Potter  removed  to  New  York  in  the  spring  of 
1855,  and  the  people  of  Albany  no  longer  met  upon 
its  streets  the  tall  and  erect  form  of  the  rector  of  St. 
Peter's  as  he  went  on  errands  of  mercy  or  among  the 
homes  of  his  parishioners.  The  twenty-one  years  of 
his  rectorship  were  eventful  and  fruitful.  They 
marked  the  passage  from  the  old  to  the  modern  methods 
of  Church  thought  and  work,  and  they  educated  the 
parish  in  the  principles  of  Catholic  theology  and  sound 
churchmanship.  No  man  better  fitted  to  guide  the 
parish  in  this  transition  period  could  have  been  found 
than  Horatio  Potter. 


20 


CHAPTER  XII 

THE  BUILDING  OF  THE  THIRD  ST.   PETER'S 

The  call  and  declination  of  the  Rev.  John  Ireland  Tucker  of  Troy, 
N.  Y.,  1854. — The  rectorship  offered  to  the  Rev.  A.  N.  Littlejohn  of 
New  Haven,  1 855. — The  call  and  acceptance  of  the  Rev.  Thomas 
C.  Pitkin  of  New  Haven,  1855. — Institution  of  the  new  rector,  1855. 
— Subscriptions  made  toward  a  new  church  edifice,  1 8  56-1 857. — 
Unsafe  condition  of  the  church  building,  1857. — Plans  submitted  for  a 
new  church  by  R.  Upjohn  &  Co.,  1857. — The  old  church  abandoned 
and  services  held  in  Geological  Hall,  1 858-1 860. — The  plans  of 
Upjohn  &  Co.  adopted,  1859. — Demolition  of  the  second  St.  Peter's, 
1859. — Cornerstone  of  the  new  church  laid,  St.  Peter's  Day,  1859. — 
Rebuilding  of  the  rectory  by  Mr.  Gilbert  L.  Wilson,  1859. — Consecra- 
tion of  the  present  church,  October  4,  I  860. — Resignation  of  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Pitkin,  1862. — Call  and  acceptance  of  the  Rev.  Wm.  T.  Wilson, 
i86z. — Call  of  the  Rev.  Wm.  Tatlock  as  assistant  minister,  i86z. — 
Election  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tatlock  as  associate  rector,  1863. — Resigna- 
tion of  Mr.  Tatlock,  May,  1866. — Resignation  of  Mr.  Wilson,  Sep- 
tember, 1866. 

ON  November  11,  1854,  Mr.  Marcus  T.  Reynolds, 
Mr.  J.  B.  Plumb  and  Mr.  Orlando  Meads  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  wait  upon  the  Rev.  John 
Ireland  Tucker,  the  pastor  of  the  Church  of  the  Holy 
Cross,  Troy,  and  offer  him  the  rectorship  of  St.  Peter's. 
Mr.  Tucker  had  well  developed  ideals  as  to  his  work 
in  Troy,  and  after  due  deliberation,  sent  his  formal 
declination  of  the  call  with  a  graceful  acknowledgment 
of  the  honor  done  to  him. 

In  the  meanwhile  Bishop   Potter  consented  to  act  as 
rector    of    St.    Peter's    so    far   as   his   episcopal   duties 


The  Building  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's         307 

allowed.  The  Rev.  Robert  Lowry  of  Greenbush  main- 
tained the  regular  weekday  services  during  Lent,  1855, 
and  at  other  times  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  congrega- 
tion. He  received  the  formal  thanks  of  the  vestry, 
with  a  purse  of  one  hundred  dollars.  The  vestry 
appointed  on  May  3,  1855,  Messrs.  Mead,  Dexter  and 
Hand  as  a  committee  to  "recommend  some  suitable 
person  as  Rector  of  this  church."  At  this  time  the 
members  of  St.  Peter's  saw  clearly  the  need  of  a  new 
church  building,  or  the  thorough  repair  of  that  in  which 
they  were  then  worshipping.  The  vestry  at  this  same 
meeting  passed  a  resolution  establishing  a  "St.  Peter's 
Church  Fund,"  for  which  annual  collections  were  to  be 
made,  contributions  received,  and  the  fund  placed  in 
the  custody  of  the  wardens  and  four  other  persons  not 
members  of  the  vestry.  Any  vacancy  in  this  board 
of  trustees  was  to  be  filled  by  the  vestry. 

Bishop  Potter  was  requested  to  preach  in  behalf  of 
the  fund  on  the  next  Whitsun-Day,  or  "at  such  other 
time  as  his  convenience  may  permit."  The  wardens, 
the  Hon.  Marcus  T.  Reynolds  and  the  Hon.  Daniel 
D.  Barnard,  with  Mr.  Wm.  E.  Bleecker,  Mr.  John  V. 
L.  Pruyn  and  Mr.  Amasa  J.  Parker  were  the  first 
trustees. 

Mr.  George  Dexter  and  Mr.  Edward  Hand  from 
the  committee  for  the  selection  of  a  rector,  reported  on 
August  28,  1855,  that  they  had  visited  New  Haven, 
inquired  concerning  the  Rev.  Mr.  Littlejohn  of  St. 
Paul's  Church,  and  recommended  that  he  be  offered 
the  rectorship  of  St.  Peter's  Church.  They  were 
authorized  to  take  formal  action,  provided  Mr.  Little- 
john were  willing  to  accept  of  a  call  "at  a  salary  of  two 
thousand   dollars  and   the   use   of   the   rectory."      Mr. 


3o8  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Littlejohn  evidently  preferred  to  remain  in  New  Haven, 
and  no  formal  action  is  recorded  upon  the  minutes. 
Dr.  Littlejohn  subsequently  removed  to  Brooklyn  and 
became  the  first  bishop  of  Long  Island,  a  position  he 
still  adorns. 

On  September  25,  1855,  the  subject  of  the  support 
of  the  Provisional  Bishop  was  brought  before  the  vestry 
by  a  circular  letter  from  the  joint  committee  of  the 
Diocesan  Convention.  After  discussion  the  considera- 
tion of  a  subscription  from  the  parish  to  the  permanent 
episcopal  fund  was  deferred,  and  the  vestry  pledged  an 
annual  sum  of  one  hundred  dollars,  "until  some  further 
and  other  action  on  the  subject." 

The  committee  were  still  seeking  in  New  Haven 
for  a  rector.  The  Rev.  Thomas  C.  Pitkin,  the  descend- 
ant of  a  long  line  of  Connecticut  worthies,  who  had 
served  as  governors  and  ministers  in  that  colony  and 
state,  a  grandson  on  his  maternal  side  of  the  first  rector 
of  Trinity  Church,  New  Haven,  Dr.  Bela  Hubbard, 
and  a  great  grandson  of  Dr.  Thomas  Clap,  a  president 
of  Yale  College,  was  then  associate  rector  of  Trinity 
Church,  New  Haven,  with  the  Rev.  Harry  Croswell. 
He  seemed  to  the  members  of  the  committee  to  answer 
every  requirement.  There  is  no  record  of  any  report, 
but  on  October  17,  1855,  the  vestry  "resolved,  that 
Mr.  Plumb  be,  and  he  is  hereby  authorized  and 
requested,  to  tender  to  the  Rev.  Thomas  C.  Pitkin  of 
New  Haven,  as  the  unanimous  and  earnest  desire  of 
this  vestry,  an  invitation  to  become  the  rector  of  St. 
Peter's  Church,  Albany,  at  a  salary  of  two  thousand 
dollars  a  year  with  the  use  of  the  rectory." 

On  November  15,  Mr.  Pitkin  sent  this  letter  of 
acceptance : — 


The  Building  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's        309 

"New  Haven,  Nov.  15,  1855. 
/   B.  Plumb,  Esq.  : 

Dear  Sir. — I  have  resigned  the  associate  Rectorship  of  Trinity 
Church,  New  Haven,  and  the  resignation  has  been  accepted.  I  am, 
therefore  now  at  liberty  to  accept  the  call  to  the  Rectorship  of  S. 
Peter's  Church,  Albany,  offered  to  me  through  you.  In  entering  upon 
the  duties  of  so  responsible  a  situation  I  am  very  much  influenced  by  the 
unanimity  and  apparent  earnestness  of  the  call;  and  I  shall  confidently 
look  for  the  cordial  and  united  support  of  the  vestry.  I  will  be  ready 
to  commence  duty  on  the  first  Sunday  in  Advent,  and  from  that  time 
shall  hope  to  be  able  to  give  my  undivided  attention  to  the  great  interests 
connected  with  your  church  and  congregation. 

Be  pleased  to  communicate  this  answer  to  the  vestry  of  S.  Peter's. 
With  sentiments  of  high  esteem, 

I  am  your  o'bt  servant, 

Thomas  C.  Pitkin." 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Milo  Mahan,  professor  of  ecclesias- 
tical history  in  the  General  Theological  Seminary, 
New  York,  had  taken  charge  of  the  services  during  the 
vacancy.  His  deep  learning  and  attractive  style  had 
made  for  him  many  friends  in  Albany.  A  sermon 
preached  by  him  on  Thanksgiving  Day,  1855,  on 
"The  Healing  of  the  Nations"  was  published  by  special 
request.  It  shows  that  maturity  of  thought  and  ele- 
gance of  language  which  gave  him  a  high  reputation  as 
a  speaker  and  debater.  Upon  Dr.  Pitkin's  acceptance 
and  institution.  Dr.  Mahan's  connection  with  the  par- 
ish terminated  and  in  a  resolution,  tendering  him  the 
thanks  of  the  vestry,  "for  the  very  great  kindness  in 
maintaining  the  public  services  during  the  recent  vacancy 
in  the  rectorship,  they  beg  to  assure  him  of  the  high 
respect  and  esteem  with  which  he  is  regarded  by  the 
vestry  and  congregation  of  St.  Peter's,"  and  the  treas- 
urer was   directed  to   send   him  in  addition  to  the  sum 


3IO  Saint  Peter's  Church 

already   sent,    "the  further  sum   of  one    hundred    and 
fifty  dollars  and  request  his  acceptance  thereof." 

The  institution  of  Dr.  Pitkin  as  rector  took  place  on 
February  3,  1856,  the  Provisional  Bishop  acting  as 
institutor  and  preaching  from  S.  John  X,  11,  a  sermon 
on  "The  Good  Pastor,"  in  which  he  made  many 
touching  allusions  to  his  own  rectorship. 

The  wish  for  a  new  church  was  beginning  to  crystalize 
in  the  parish.  With  the  revival  of  Gothic  architecture, 
and  such  examples  as  Trinity  Church  and  Grace 
Church,  New  York  city  before  them,  there  came  to  the 
people  of  St.  Peter's  the  desire  to  build  an  edifice  which 
should  be  an  architectural  monument  and  worthy  of  the 
Church  in  the  city  of  Albany.  In  September,  1856, 
Dr.  Pitkin  called  the  attention  of  the  vestry  to  the  fact 
that  some  very  liberal  offerings  had  been  made  for 
rebuilding,  that  the  church  was  comparatively  unsafe, 
that  the  ground  upon  which  it  stood  was  settling,  and 
that  it  was  only  a  matter  of  time  when  the  church  could 
no  longer  be  used  for  public  worship.  The  vestry, 
after  due  consideration,  unanimously  resolved,  "in  con- 
sideration of  the  unsound  condition  of  the  present 
church  edifice,  it  will  probably  be  indispensably  neces- 
sary, at  no  distant  day,  that  it  should  be  taken  down 
and  rebuilt,"  and  appointed  a  committee  "to  consist  of 
the  rector,  Mr.  Taylor,  Mr.  Plumb  and  Mr.  Meads  to 
ascertain  whether  the  requisite  funds  can  be  procured 
for  the  rebuilding  of  the  parish  church  edifice."  A 
subscription  was  commenced,  and  the  amount  secured 
so  encouraging,  that  on  May  23,  1857,  the  rector 
informed  the  vestry  that  "he  with  several  other  mem- 
bers of  the  vestry,  had  recently  visited  New  York  and 
examined  a   number   of   the   churches   in   that  city  and 


The  Rev.  Thomas  Clapp  Pitkin,  D.  D. 

Ri-ctor  of  St.    Piter's,   i8ji6-/S62 


The  Building  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's        311 

Brooklyn,  with  the  view  of  obtaining  proper  informa- 
tion in  reference  to  the  rebuilding  of  our  own  church 
edifice — that  after  making  such  examination  and  all 
proper  inquiries,  they  had,  with  the  view  of  aiding  the 
vestry  in  its  action,  requested  Mr.  Richard  Upjohn  of 
New  York,  who  is  well  known  as  an  eminent  church 
architect,  to  prepare  a  suitable  plan  for  a  church  to  be 
submitted  to  the  consideration  of  the  vestry,  and  that 
Mr.  Upjohn  was  now  engaged  in  the  preparation 
thereof;  that  the  examination  which  had  been  made 
by  the  architect,  rendered  it  highly  probable  that  it 
might  be  found  desirable  to  extend  the  new  church  edi- 
fice so  far  north  as  to  require  the  removal  of  the  present 
rectory;  that  in  view  of  such  a  contingency  Gilbert 
L.  Wilson,  Esq.,  had  very  generously  offered  to  give 
to  the  church  a  valuable  and  suitable  lot  on  the  corner 
of  Lodge  and  Steuben  streets  on  consideration  that  a 
new  rectory  should  be  built  thereon — the  church  to  be 
at  liberty  to  accept  such  offer  any  time  previous  to  the 
first   of  August   next." 

Mr.  Erastus  Corning,  Jr.,  Mr.  Wm.  N.  Fassett  and 
Mr.  James  Dexter  were  appointed  a  committee  to  confer 
with  Mr.  Wilson.  After  some  discussion  of  the  whole 
subject  it  was  resolved:  ''that  the  rector,  Mr.  Taylor, 
Mr.  Meads,  Mr.  Perry  and  Mr.  Kidd  of  the  vestry, 
and  Mr.  Wm.  E.  Bleecker  and  Dr.  Philip  Ten  Eyck 
from  the  congregation  be  appointed  the  building  com- 
mittee for  our  new  church  edifice."  On  June  30,  1857, 
Gen.  John  Tayler  Cooper  was  added  to  the  church 
building  committee,  and  Mr.  Visscher  Ten  Eyck  to  the 
rectory  building  committee.  The  rectory  committee 
reported  at  the  same  meeting  that  the  expense  of  taking 
down  and  rebuilding  the  rectory  on  the  lot  offered  by  Mr. 


312  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Wilson  would  be  14,490,  which  would  include  any  new 
material  that  might  be  necessary  or  proper,  and  also  the 
expense  of  raising  the  third  story  three  feet  higher  than 
it  now  is."  The  expense  of  an  additional  lot  "to  put 
up  the  building  of  its  present  size  would  be  about  I700." 

The  plans  of  the  new  church  were  submitted  by 
Upjohn  &  Co.  on  July  15.  They  provided  for  a 
beautiful  building  but  at  a  cost  of  $78,000,  which  was 
thought  to  be  beyond  the  ability  of  the  congregation. 
They  were  returned  to  the  architect  with  the  notifica- 
tion that  the  church  must  be  built  for  not  more  than 
$60,000.  At  the  same  time  the  vestry  expressed  its 
opinion  that  the  dimensions  of  the  new  church  "should 
be  of  the  width  of  66  feet — and  that  the  body  of  the 
church  should  be  of  the  length  of  about  96  feet."  The 
unsafe  condition  of  the  church  had  alarmed  many  of 
the  parishoners,  and  in  the  early  fall  of  1857  there  was 
a  careful  examination  made  by  Mr.  B.  F.  Smith,  an 
architect,  and  Mr.  Eaton,  a  builder.  They  reported  to 
the  vestry  what  repairs  in  their  opinion  were  necessary 
to  render  the  building  safe  for  use.  Mr.  Jesse  C. 
Potts  was  authorized  by  the  vestry  "to  take  measures 
immediately  to  have  such  repairs  made  to  the  church 
edifice  as  may  be  requisite  to  render  the  same  perfectly 
safe  for  occupation  by  the  congregation." 

Notwithstanding  these  repairs,  members  of  the  con- 
gregation noticed,  with  alarm  and  apprehension  as  the 
months  passed  by,  that  large  cracks  were  apparent  in  the 
ceiling  and  on  the  east  wall  of  the  church.  So  wide- 
spread was  the  fear  of  an  utter  collapse  of  the  building 
that  the  vestry  on  September  20,  1858,  appointed 
"Messers.  Taylor  and  Potts  with  the  aid  of  some  com- 
petent architect  whom  they  may  select,   to  examine  the 


The  Building  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's        313 

condition  of  the  church  edifice  and  make  any  such 
repairs  as  they  may  find  necessary  or  desirable."  On 
October  4  the  committee  reported  that  Messrs.  Woolett 
&  Ogden,  architects,  and  Messrs.  Todd  and  other  build- 
ers, had  thoroughly  examined  the  church  and  expressed 
in  writing  their  opinion  "that  the  church  edifice  was  not 
safe  for  occupation  for  public  worship  without  consid- 
erable repairs."  Immediate  action  was  taken  upon  this 
report,  and  Mr.  James  Kidd,  Mr.  J.  B.  Plumb  and 
Mr.  George  Dexter  were  chosen  as  a  committee  "to 
procure  a  temporary  place  of  worship  for  the  use  of  the 
congregation." 

When  this  action  was  made  known,  the  vestry  of 
Trinity  Church,  through  its  rector,  the  Rev.  Edward 
Selkirk,  tendered  to  the  mother  parish  the  use  of  their 
church  building  "at  such  hours  as  would  best  accom- 
modate both  congregations."  Dr.  Pitkin  answered 
in  behalf  of  the  vestry,  declining  the  offer,  which  was 
highly  appreciated,  and  said  that  St.  Peter's  desired  its 
temporary  home  to  be  one  in  which  full  services  could 
be  held  and  which  would  be  entirely  under  its  control. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  William  B.  Sprague,  the  annalist  of  the 
American  pulpit,  and  pastor  of  the  Second  Presbyterian 
church,  offered  in  behalf  of  the  trustees  of  his  church, 
the  use  of  their  church  at  hours  which  did  not  interfere 
with  their  own  services.  In  the  courteous  note  convey- 
ing the  offer,  Dr.  Sprague  said,  "we  should  all  consider 
it  a  privilege  to  contribute  to  your  accommodation." 
Dr.  Pitkin  thanked  him  in  a  brief  note,  and  said,  "that 
every  member  of  St.  Peter's  will  appreciate  the  Christian 
courtesy  of  yourself  and  people."  The  vestry's  action 
was  embodied  in  a  resolution  thanking  Dr.  Sprague  and 
warmly    acknowledging    "the     very    kind    and   liberal 


314  Saint  Peter's  Church 

offer,"  and  saying  that  "although  it  will  probably  not 
be  consistent  with  a  due  regard  to  the  convenience  of 
the  congregation  of  St.  Peter's  that  we  should  avail  our- 
selves of  it,  yet  we  fully  appreciate  the  generous  feeling 
which  prompted  it." 

The  committee's  report  upon  the  unsafe  condition  of 
the  church  hastened  the  final  action  upon  the  various 
plans  which  had  been  submitted  by  Mr.  Upjohn.  On 
October  4,  a  special  committee,  Mr.  John  S.  Perry,  of 
the  vestry,  and  Mr.  Jesse  C.  Potts,  of  the  congregation, 
was  appointed  to  obtain  the  assent  of  the  subscribers 
to  the  Church  building  fund  to  make  such  a  change  in 
the  terms  of  the  present  subscription  as  will  make  it 
take  effect  on  the  subscription  with  the  building  fund 
being  made  up  to  sixty  thousand  dollars.  The  vestry 
state  in  the  resolution  appointing  the  committee,  that 
it  was  expedient  that  the  new  church  be  commenced  as 
speedily  as  possible,  "in  view  of  the  diminution  in  the 
cost  of  building  since  last  year." 

At  a  vestry  meeting  held  on  October  30,  the  rector 
presented  certain  plans  and  specifications  from  the  archi- 
tects for  examination  and  approval.  The  vestry,  how- 
ever, "\yas  not  prepared  to  take  any  definite  action 
thereon  without  further  communication  with  Messrs. 
Upjohn  &  Co."  On  November  13,  the  plans  and 
estimates  were  again  considered  by  the  vestry.  Finally, 
they  were  referred  to  the  building  committee,  with 
power,  in  their  discretion  after  obtaining  proper  esti- 
mates, to  adopt  such  plans,  with  any  such  modifications 
thereof,  as  they  may  find  expedient."  It  was  also 
resolved  "that  in  case  the  building  fund  and  subscription 
shall  not  be  sufficient  to  justify  the  completion  of  the 
upper  section  of  the  tower,  that  the  building  committee 


The  Building  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's        3 1  5 

he  authorized  to  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  Church, 
leaving  the  tower  to  be  completed  at  some  future  day." 
The  building  committee  were  also  authorized  to  pay  to 
Messrs.  Upjohn  &  Co.  five  hundred  dollars  on  account 
of  services. 

The  vestry  records  do  not  show  that  the  committee 
upon  procuring  a  place  of  meeting  for  the  congregation 
made  any  report.^  The  task  of  selection  was  difficult. 
Finally  Geological  Hall,  opposite  the  church,  was 
secured  and  arranged  for  divine  service.  This  was  the 
temporary  home  of  St.  Peter's  for  nearly  two  years.  ^ 

The  building  committee  after  the  meeting  of  Novem- 
ber 13,  entered  heartily  into  their  work,  and  procured 
estimates  from  various  persons  for  the  various  portions 
of  the  proposed  building.  They  met  with  some  obsta- 
cles as  the  specifications  furnished  by  the  architects  were 
not  sufficiently  explicit  to  be  understood  by  those  desir- 
ing to  bid.  A  meeting  of  the  vestry  was  called  on  Jan- 
uary 31,  1859,  when  the  rector,  in  behalf  of  the  com- 
mittee, stated  "that  the  plans  and  specifications  as  fur- 
nished were  found  to  be  imperfect  and  unsatisfactory  in 
respect  both  to  the  cut  stone  and  the  carpenter's  work, 
and  that  the  carpenters  and  stone  cutters  are  unable  to 
make  estimates  from  the  plans  and  specifications." 
After  much  discussion  by  the  vestry,  an  official  commu- 
nication from  the  vestry  proposed  by  the  Hon.  Daniel 

'  There  is  a  gap  in  the  records  from  p.  5  5  to  p.  60,  as  if  it  were 
intended  to  enter  the  records  of  several  vestry  meetings  upon  those  pages. 

'  October  3,  1858. — Saint  Peter's  Church  was  not  opened  for  service, 
on  account  of  the  insecurity  of  the  ceiling.  The  walls  had  long  been 
in  a  dilapidated  condition,  the  foundations  having  settled  in  several  places 
so  as  to  cause  large  fissures  on  each  side.  The  congregation  worshipped 
in  the  lecture  room  of  the  State  Agricultural  society.  (Munsell's  Annals, 
X.  p.  426.) 


3i6  Saint  Peter's  Church 

D.  Barnard,  the  Junior  Warden,  was  unanimously 
adopted,  and  ordered  to  be  presented  to  the  architects 
by  a  special  committee,  Mr.  John  Taylor,  Mr.  Jesse  C. 
Potts,  and  Mr.  James  Kidd. 

It  declared  that  from  the  commencement  of  the  nego- 
tiations with  the  Messrs.  Upjohn,  "two  things  have 
been  constantly  held  as  conditions  precedent  to  the 
adoption  of  any  plan  they  might  propose,  or  to  our 
undertaking  the  work  at  all."  The  first  was  that  all 
the  drawings,  plans  and  specifications  were  to  be  so  con- 
structed that  the  vestry  "could  understand  beforehand 
what  the  proposed  structure  would  be  when  completed 
not  only  in  its  general  features,  but  in  all  its  details." 
The  second  was  that  the  specifications,  plans  and  draw- 
ings vyould  enable  competent  builders  "to  make  from 
them  accurate,  definite,  and  complete  estimates."  It 
further  stated  that  the  architects  had  failed  to  observe 
these  essential  conditions  and  that  there  had  been 
"unnecessary  and  injurious  delay,"  and  that  no  plans 
which  required  the  personal  explanations  of  the  archi- 
tect to  prospective  bidders  would  meet  the  requirements 
of  the  vestry.  Under  these  circumstances,  the  com- 
mittee was  not  only  to  present  this  official  statement, 
but  also  inform  the  Messrs.  Upjohn  "of  our  determi- 
nation to  close  our  relations  with  them,  and  that  the 
committee  settle  with  them  accordingly."  While  the 
committee  discharged  its  duty,  and  presented  the  com- 
munication of  St.  Peter's  vestry,  it  also  acted  upon 
"certain  private  instructions."'  After  some  delay  and 
negotiation,  plans  and  specifications  modified  according 
to  the  desires  of  the  vestry  were  obtained.  On  Febru- 
ary 24,  1859,  they  were  finally  and  formerly  adopted. 
'  MS.  note,  vestry  minutes,  p.  64. 


The  Buildinor  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's        317 

The  contract  for  the  mason  work  was  awarded  to  John 
Bridgeford  of  Albany,  for  327,000;  the  contract  for  the 
carpenter  work  to  George  Riker  of  New  York,  for 
$14,500;  the  contract  for  the  brown  cut  stone  to  George 
Riker  of  Newark,  New  Jersey,  for  $18,397.' 

Within  a  week  the  contractors  commenced  to  demolish 
the  old  building.  The  work  was  evidently  of  interest 
to  many  spectators  who  watched  the  progress  of  the 
workmen.  On  March  3,  the  upper  portion  of  the 
tower  with  the  vane  "came  down  with  a  crash.""  On 
April  8,  the  demolition  of  the  old  church  was  completed 
and  the  first  foundation  stone  of  the  new  church  was 
laid.  "It  is  said  to  weigh  over  three  tons  and  covers 
the  full  width  of  the  trench  which  is  six  feet.^  There 
was  some  speculation  over  a  stone  found  by  the  workmen 
on  May  23.  It  is  described  by  a  local  writer  as  being 
"about  four  feet  long  and  about  a  foot   thick."      It  is 

'  It  is  gratitying  to  be  able  at  length  to  state  that  the  arrangements 
for  the  new  St.  Peter's  are  completed  and  the  contracts  for  the  building 
closed.  The  work  of  demolition  will  commence  in  the  old  edifice  at 
once,  and  the  ground  will  at  once  be  cleared  for  the  new  one.  This 
is  to  be  built  from  plans  by  R.  Upjohn  &  Co.,  architects;  the  walls  of 
blue  stone,  the  dressing  of  brown  or  New  Jersey  stone.  The  design 
embraces  a  spacious  chancel,  an  octagonal  in  form,  a  nave  with  aisles, 
and  a  massive  tower  at  the  (technical)  west  end  of  the  south  aisle, 
actually  on  the  corner  of  State  and  Lodge  streets.  The  interior  will  be 
finished  with  black  walnut.  There  will  be  no  side  galleries.  Altogether 
it  will  be  the  finest  church  in  the  Diocese  north  of  New  York. — Albany 
Correspondence  of  The  Church  Journal,,  March  2,  1859,  p.  42. 

^  March  3,  1859. — The  work  of  demolishing  St.  Peter's  Church  is 
going  forward  rapidly.  The  upper  portion  of  the  tower  together  with 
the  vane  came  down  this  morning  with  a  crash.  It  was  witnessed  bv 
a  large  number  of  spectators  who  congregated  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
street  to  witness  the  fall.  Six  photographic  pictures  were  taken  of  the 
building  as  it  appeared  some  months  before.  Four  inside  views  of  the 
church,  exhibiting  the  pulpit,  pews,  gallery  and  organ,  and  two  of  the 
exterior.      (Munsell's  Historical  Collections,  I.   p.  439.) 

'  Munsell's  Historical  Collections,  I.  p.  447. 


3i8  Saint  Peter's  Church 

said  that  "upon  its  face  cut  in  are  the  following  letters 
of  an  ancient  form,  A.  M.  S.  and  A.  N.  O.  joined 
together  as  one  letter,  bearing  date,  1715."  The  writer 
dismisses  the  conjecture  that  it  could  have  been  "the 
tablet  of  the  original  Church,  for  upon  that  were 
engraved  the  names  of  Daniel  Hale  and  Ira  Fryer. 
He  concludes  that  "it  may  have  been  the  corner  stone 
of  that  edifice."^  There  is  no  record  of  the  laying  of 
any  corner  stone  of  the  first  church,  and  the  stone  work 
of  that  building  was  taken  as  part  payment  by  Hooker 
&  Putnam,  the  builders  of  the  second  church.  It  seems 
strange  that  a  relic  like  that  should  have  been  allowed 
to  be  built  into  the  foundation,  if  the  authorities  of  St. 
Peter's  were  aware  of  its  value.  It  may  not  have  been 
connected  with  the  church,  but  a  stone  from  the  old 
fort,  as  the  north-east  bastion  and  other  parts  of  the 
fort  enclosure  occupied  the  site  of  the  present  church. 
The  stone  does  not  appear  to  have  been  preserved. 

At  a  vestry  meeting  held  on  March  23,  it  was 
announced  that  the  lot  belonging  to  Master  Lodge, 
No.  5,  F.  &  A.  M.,  on  the  north-west  corner  of  Maiden 
Lane  and  Lodge  Street  was  about  to  be  leased  for  a 
term  of  thirty  years  at  five  hundred  dollars  a  year,  and 
that  "the  same  will  be  taken  by  parties  for  a  use  that 
will  greatly  endanger  and  injure  the  new  church."  It 
was  therefore  "resolved  that  such  lease  be  taken  by  the 
Church,  and  that  the  Rector  be  and  is  hereby  authorized 
to  execute  the  lease  therefore  and  affix  the  seal  thereto." 

The  rectory  committee  reported  that  it  was  inexpedient 
to  attempt  the  removal  of  the  old  rectory  to  the  masonic 
lodge  lot.  It  was  determined  that  the  rectory  be  sold 
and  the  proceeds  set  apart  and  invested  as  a  fund  for 

'  Munsell's  Historical  Collections,  I  p.  453. 


The  Building  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's        319 

building  a  new  rectory.  Dr.  Pitkin  was  to  be  allowed 
six  hundred  dollars  for  house  rent  in  lieu  of  the  use  of 
the  present  rectory. 

At  the  same  meeting  the  proposition  of  Mr.  Golds- 
brow  Banyar  of  New  York  to  erect,  at  an  expense  of 
five  hundred  dollars,  a  memorial  window  in  memory  of 
his  grandfather,  Goldsbrow  Banyar,  was  accepted  by  the 
vestrv,  who  expressed  their  appreciation  of  it  in  a  reso- 
ution  of  thanks,  saying  that  Mr.  Banyar,  was  "long, 
one  of  the  wardens  of  this  parish,  and  ever  one  of  its 
most  honored,  liberal  and  zealous  benefactors." 

On  April  5,  the  rectory  committee  was  authorized  to 
purchase  a  lot  on  Washington  avenue  belonging  to  Mr. 
Kidd.  The  price  was  to  be  six  thousand  dollars,  of 
which  Mr.  Kidd  subscribed  one  thousand  dollars  towards 
the  rectory  building.  The  committee  was  directed  to 
contract  for  the  rebuilding  of  the  rectory  on  this  lot 
provided  the  cost  did  not  exceed  forty-four  hundred 
dollars,  and  that  six  hundred  dollars  was  sufficient  to 
enclose  this  lot  and  put  it  in  order.  Mr.  John  S.  Perry 
was  at  this  time  added  to  the  committee.  On  June  4, 
the  committee  reported  that  they  found  that  the  rectory 
could  not  be  put  upon  Washington  Avenue  site  for  the 
sum  prescribed  by  the  resolution.  The  old  rectory 
therefore  had  been  sold  to  Mr.  John  Bridgeford  for  five 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  The  committee  also  made 
the  gratifying  announcement  that  Mr.  Gilbert  L.  Wilson 
had  taken  the  lease  of  the  masonic  lodge  lot,  and  intended 
"to  erect  a  building  thereon  corresponding  in  its  general 
style  with  the  old  rectory."  Mr.  W^ilson's  offer  was 
informally  accepted  at  that  time.  The  rebuilding  of 
the  rectory  was  done  in  the  most  thorough  and  sub- 
stantial way.      Mr.  Wilson  personally  attended  to  every 


320  Saint  Peter's  Church 

detail  and  made  the  house  a  comfortable  and  convenient 
home  for  the  rector.  When  it  was  completed  in  the 
spring  of  i860  he  formerly  transferred  the  property  to 
the  parish  "at  the  same  cost  at  which  he  procured 
the  lot  alone."  He  was  thanked  for  his  generous  gift 
by  the  vestry  on  March  2,  1860.^ 

By  the  beginning  of  June,  1859,  the  foundation  walls 
of  the  new  church  were  nearly  completed,  and  on  June 
4,  a  vestry  meeting  was  held.  At  this  meeting  it  was 
"resolved  that  the  church  building  finance  committee  be 
authorized  to  pay  out  of  the  funds  in  their  hands  such 
sums  as  may  become  due  and  payable  on  the  several 
contracts  for  the  building  and  stone  work  of  the  church. 
Such  payments  to  be  made  on  the  presentation  of  the 
certificate  of  the  architect  and  approved  by  Messrs. 
Taylor,  Potts  and  Ten  Eyck  of  the  building  committee 
or  any  two  of  them."  At  this  meeting  the  vestry  also 
appointed  "the  Rector,  Mr.  Meads,  Mr.  Plumb  and 
Mr.  Cooper"  as  a  committee  "to  make  the  necessary 
arrangements  for  the  laying  of  the  corner  stone  of  the 
new  church  edifice  on  St.  Peter's  Day,  the  29th  day 
of  June  instant."  There  was  to  be  prepared  "a  proper 
lead  box"  to  be  placed  under  the  stone,  and  a  silver 
plate  with  a  proper  inscription  to  be  deposited  in  that 
box,  "with  such  documents  and  other  articles  as  the 
Committee  may  deem  proper." 

On  St.  Peter's  Day  a  large  congregation  gathered  at 
half  past  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning  in  the  Geological 
Hall.  There  were  present  the  Provisional  Bishop  of 
the  diocese,  the  Bishops  of  Indiana  and  Iowa,  the  rec- 
tor of  the  parish  and  about  twenty  other  clergymen, 
including  those  of  the  city  of  Albany. 

'  For  a  copy  of  the  deed  of  transfer  see  appendix. 


Old  Rectory,  Corner  Lodge  Street  and  Maiden  Lane 
Built  i860      Photographed  /8go 


The  Building  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's         321 

Morning  Prayer  was  said  by  the  rector  of  the  Church 
of  the  Holy  Innocents,  the  Rev.  Sylvanus  Reed;  the 
rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  the  Rev.  Dr.  William 
Rudder,  and  the  rector  of  the  parish. 

At  ten  o'clock  a  procession  was  formed  in  which  were 
the  male  members  and  the  wardens  and  vestry  of  St. 
Peter's  Church,  the  surpliced  clergy  and  the  bishops. 
When  the  procession  reached  the  north-east  corner  of 
the  church  it  halted  and  divided  to  allow  the  bishops 
and  clergy  to  pass  through.  The  one  hundred  and 
twenty-second  psalm  was  read  responsively,  and  Bishop 
Potter  commenced  the  service  for  the  laying  of  the 
corner  stone.  Dr.  Pitkin,  the  rector,  then  read  the  list 
of  articles  deposited  in  the  corner  stone  box,  which 
included  the  Bible  and  Prayer  Book,  the  New  York 
Convention  Journal  for  1858,  photographs  of  the  old 
church,  a  list  of  pew  holders,  a  diagram  of  the  old 
church,  and  a  silver  plate  upon  which  was  inscribed  a 
brief  record  of  the  laying  of  the  corner  stone,  the  names 
of  those  connected  with  the  building  of  the  new  church, 
and  a  concise  history  of  the  parish.'  The  stone  was 
then  swung  into  its  proper  place,  and  laid  in  the  name 
of  the  ever  blessed  Trinity  by  the  Provisional  Bishop. 
The  one  hundred  and  thirty-fifth  psalm  was  then  chanted 
by  a  full  choir  and  the  clergy.  Bishop  Potter  from  a 
platform  near  the  stone  made  the  address.  It  was  long 
and  eloquent.  A  contemporary  account  says:  "We 
will  not  attempt  to  give  an  outline  of  his  address,  for 
although  it  was  extempore,  we  trust  he  will  be  prevailed 
upon  to  write  it  out  for  publication. ' '-  Bishop  Upfold, 
of  Indiana,  in  a  few  well   chosen  words  alluded   to  his 

'  For  this  inscripuon  see  appendix. 
'  The  Albany  Evening  Journal,  \\me  29,  1859. 
21 


322  Saint   Peter's  Church 

life  as  a  boy  and  young  man  in  the  parish,  giving  some 
reminiscences  of  the  earlier  generation  of  churchmen  in 
Albany.  The  concluding  prayers  were  said  by  Bishop 
Potter,  the  Gloria  in  Excelsis  was  sung,  the  benediction 
pronounced  by  the  Provisional  Bishop,  the  procession 
was  reformed,  and  went  to  Geological  Hall  where  the 
clergy  and  other  invited  guests  were  entertained  by 
the  ladies  of  the  parish.  '"The  weather,"  it  was  said 
"was  quite  favorable,  but  warm,  the  thermometer 
being  90  degrees  in  the  shade,  and  the  entire 
service  passed  off  without  the  slightest  accident  or 
interruption."' 

On  December  27,  1859,  the  rector  reported  to  the 
vestry  the  laying  of  the  corner  stone,  and  mentioned 
that  the  zinc  box  deposited  in  the  corner  stone  was  a 
gift  from  Mr.  Chauncey  Whitney.  At  the  same  meet- 
ing designs  were  requested  from  Mr.  Owen  Doremus, 
of  West  Bloomfield,  N.  J.,  "for  the  chancel  windows, 
of  the  best  quality,  to  cost  twenty-five  hundred  dollars, 
for  clerestory  windows  to  correspond  therewith."  It 
was  agreed  that  the  other  windows,  with  the  exception 
of  the  memorial  windows,  were  not  to  exceed  in  cost 
forty  dollars  each. 

While  the  vestry  was  determined  that  a  debt  which 
could  not  be  paid  within  a  reasonably  short  period 
should  never  again  burden  the  parish,  it  was  found 
necessary  to  borrow  large  sums  of  money  during  the 
progress  of  the  work,  until  subscriptions  payable  at  a 
future  day  were  available,  to  meet  the  payments  to  the 
architects  and  contractors.  On  December  27,  1859, 
the  finance  commitee  was  authorized  to  borrow  for  one 
year  at  seven  per  cent,  interest  fifteen  thousand   dollars 

'  The  Albany  Evening  Journal,  June  29,   1859. 


The  Building  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's         323 

"to  be  secured  by  a  mortgage  upon  the  church  lot."' 
During  the  fall  and  winter  the  building  went  on  satis- 
factorily. As  the  beauty  and  stately  massiveness  of  the 
structure  became  more  apparent,  not  only  the  members 
of  the  parish  but  the  people  of  Albany  watched  the 
growth  of  the  edifice  with  interest  and  pride. 

In  March,  i86o,  the  exterior  was  so  nearly  completed 
that  the  vestry  took  action  upon  the  interior  furnishings. 
The  designs  of  Mr.  Doremus,  then  the  best  known  and 
most  skillful  glass  stainer  in  this  country,  were  approved. 
A  contract  was  made  with  him  to  furnish  the  chancel 
windows,  those  in  the  clerestory  and  "the  large  wheel 
window"  "at  the  price  of  thirty-four  hundred  dollars 
for  the  whole."  It  had  been  expected  that  the  windows 
in  the  body  of  the  church  would  be  filled  with  richly 
painted  glass  as  memorials  of  various  departed  worthies 
of  the  parish.  At  one  time  five  windows  seem  to  have 
been  thus  designated,  but  for  many  years  after  the  build- 
ing of  the  church  the  only  memorial  window  was  that 
of  Mr.  Goldsbrow  Banyar.  The  great  advance  in  the 
art  of  glass  painting  which  has  been  made  in  the  last 
forty  years,  preserved  St.  Peter's  for  more  appropriate 
and  artistic  memorials  than  could  have  been  designed  at 
that  period. 

Mr.  Wm.  N.  Fassett,  Mr.  Philip  Ten  Eyck  and 
Mr.  Jos.  Davis,  were  empowered  to  contract  for  a  new 
organ,  "at  a  price  not  to  exceed  fifteen  hundred  dollars 
over  and  above  the  old  organ,"  which  was  to  be  valued 
at  not  less  than  one  thousand  dollars.  The  music  com- 
mittee were  also  desired  "to  make  an  arrangement  with 
Mr.  Marsh,  the  organist,  to  take  charge  of  the  music 
and  furnish  a  choir."      The  committee  do  not  seem   to 

'  See  appendix  for  a  statement  of  the  Finance  Committee. 


324  Saint   Peter's  Church 

have  rendered  any  report  to  the  vestry  of  their  action 
under  this  resolution.  After  careful  search  and  much 
deliberation,  Johnson  &  Son  of  Westfield,  Mass.,  were 
selected.  They  built  an  organ  both  sweet  and  powerful, 
which  was  capable  of  enlargement  and  enrichment  when- 
ever desired. 

On  June  15,  i860,  the  finance  committee  was  directed 
"to  negotiate  an  extension  of  the  mortgage  now  on  the 
church  to  an  amount  not  to  exceed  twenty  thousand 
dollars."  At  the  same  time  Mr.  Gilbert  L.  Wilson, 
Mr.  Visscher  Ten  Eyck  and  Mr.  Jesse  C.  Potts,  were 
chosen  as  trustees  to  whom  the  rector  was  to  assign  a 
sufficient  number  of  the  unpaid  subscriptions  to  the 
building  fund,  "with  power  to  collect  and  apply  the 
same  to  the  payment  of  the  principal  and  interest  of  the 
said  mortgage." 

On  July  2,  i860,  the  building  committee  presented 
their  report,  in  which  they  speak  of  the  details  of  the 
work,  and  give  commendation  to  each  one  of  the  con- 
tractors, especially  Mr.  John  Bridgford,  the  mason, 
"who  never  refused  to  alter  or  improve  in  any  details 
the  work  when  requested,  without  any  additional  charge 
although  his  contract  might  prove  unprofitable. "  They 
allude  to  the  harmony  which  existed  among  the  members 
of  the  committee;  "who,  in  no  instance  disagreed  in 
their  judgment."  They  congratulate  the  parish  upon 
the  result  of  their  work,  and  declare  that  it  had  been 
"very  fortunate  in  the  selection  of  their  contractors  who 
seem  to  have  used  their  best  endeavors  to  erect  a  fine 
and  substantial  edifice  to  which  they  might  refer  with 
just  pride,  and  in  which  those  who  have  contributed  to 
its  cost  might  feel  assured  that  they  had  a  full  return 
for  the  moneys  bestowed."      They  report  that  the  total 


The  Building  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's        325 

cost  of  the  church,  including  ninety-eight  dollars  and 
seven  cents  of  necessary  extra  expense,  was  sixty-one 
thousand,  five  hundred  and  twenty-three  dollars  and 
seven  cents.  In  conclusion  they  say  "your  Committee 
in  yielding  up  their  trust  to  the  vestry,  beg  leave  to 
add,  that  if  their  efforts  and  services  have  aided  in 
carrying  out  the  wishes  of  the  vestry  and  con- 
gregation so  as  to  meet  their  approval,  they  will  feel 
themselves  fully  compensated."  This  report  was 
signed  "John  Taylor,  Philip  Ten  Eyclc,  Jesse  C.  Potts, 
Committee."' 

The  vestry  accepted  the  report,  and  requested  Mr. 
Barnard  to  prepare  suitable  resolutions  to  be  adopted  by 
the  vestry  and  presented  to  the  committee  "expressive 
of  the  lasting  obligations  of  the  vestry  and  Congrega- 
tion of  St.  Peter's  to  the  Committee  for  their  most 
faithful  and  valuable  services  in  superintending  the 
erection  of  the  new  Church." 

At  the  first  meeting  of  the  vestrv  after  the  summer 
vacation  on  September  11,  the  gift  of  a  lectern  from 
Messrs.  Upjohn  &  Co.,  was  acknowledged,  and  the 
rector  requested  to  return  "the  thanks  of  the  vestry  for 
their  very  beautiful  gift." 

Mr.  George  Dexter,  the  treasurer,  communicated  a 
statement  of  the  cost  of  the  church  and  the  condition  of 
its  finances,  and  also  presented  his  resignation.  The 
vestry  expressed  their  thanks  for  "his  long  and  faithful 
services  gratuitously  rendered  to  this  Church,"  and 
refrained  from  accepting  the  resignation  "in  the  earnest 
hope,  that  he  will  consent  to  withdraw  it,  and  continue 
to  the  Church  the  benefit  of  his  valuable  services."  It 
was  also  resolved   "that  the   memorial   tablets  from  the 

'  For  a  copy  of  this  report  see  appendix. 


326  Saint  Peter's  Church 

old  Church  be  put  up  under  the  direction  of  the  build- 
ing Committee  in  the  new  Church." 

The  day  for  the  first  service  in  the  new  church  was  ap- 
pointed as  Sunday,  September  16.  The  Right  Reverend, 
the  Provisional  Bishop,  was  requested  if  convenient  to 
him,  to  consecrate  the  church  on  October  4.  There  was 
no  public  announcement  of  the  opening  service,  and  it  was 
attended  principally  by  parishioners  and  those  who  were 
specially  attracted  to  the  church  by  some  association. 

On  that  bright  September  Sunday,  the  church  was 
comfortably  filled,  every  pew  being  occupied.  The 
rector  officiated,  the  lessons  being  read  by  the  Rev. 
Peter  B.  Morrison,  of  St.  Luke's  Church,  Hope,  New 
Jersey.  The  Bishop  of  Indiana,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Dr. 
Upfold,  who  had  been  brought  up  in  St.  Peter's,  of 
which  his  father  was  a  well  known  vestryman,  preached 
the  sermon.  A  contemporary  account  says:  "His 
subject  was  the  destruction  of  the  temple  of  Jerusalem. 
It  was  a  beautiful  discourse  and  was  listened  to  with 
marked  attention.  He  closed  with  some  very  appropri- 
ate remarks  in  regard  to  the  building  of  the  new  Church; 
he  thanked  those  who  had  contributed  toward  its  erec- 
tion, and  congratulated  the  congregation  upon  having  a 
place  of  worship  unsurpassed  by  any  similar  structure 
upon  the  continent."^  In  the  afternoon   the  service 

was  read  by  the  rector  who  preached  an  appropriate 
sermon.  Of  the  music  it  is  said:  "The  music  through- 
out the  day  was  very  fine  and  effective.  The  organ, 
which  is  of  great  power  and  brilliancy  of  tone  was 
effectively  managed,  and  added  much  to  the  services  of 
the  day.  "^ 

'  Munsell's  Historical  Collections,  I.  p.  489. 
"  Munsell's  Historical  Collections,  I.  p.  489. 


The  Building  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's        327 

Bishop  Potter,  on  October  4,  i860,  came  to  his  old 
parish  for  the  feast  of  consecration.  The  citizens  of 
Albany  gathered  in  large  numbers  before  the  closed 
doors  of  the  church.  The  members  of  the  congregation 
with  their  friends  were  admitted  at  the  side  gate  at  a 
quarter  before  ten.  When  the  doors  of  the  church  were 
opened  at  a  quarter  after  ten  the  grand  building  was  soon 
filled.  The  bishops  and  clergy  gathered  at  the  tempor- 
ary chapel  of  St.  Peter's  and,  with  the  wardens  and  ves- 
try, marched  in  procession  to  the  church.  As  the 
procession  advanced  up  the  middle  alley  the  strong  deep 
voice  of  the  Provisional  Bishop  was  heard  as  the  twenty- 
fourth  Psalm  was  read  responsively  by  the  bishop,  and 
the  clergy  and  congregation.  The  bishop,  as  the  proces- 
sion halted  at  the  chancel  steps  and  divided,  took  his 
place  in  the  bishop's  chair  behind  the  altar,  which  stood 
in  the  midst  of  the  sanctuary  in  the  chord  of  the  apse. 
The  instrument  of  donation  and  endowment  was  then 
presented  by  the  wardens,  Messrs.  Marcus  T.  Reynolds 
and  Hon.  Daniel  D.  Barnard,  to  the  bishop,  and  read 
by  the  rector,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Pitkin.  The  prayer  of 
consecration  was  said  by  the  bishop,  and  the  sentence  of 
consecration  read  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  F.  Morgan  of 
St.  Thomas  Church,  New  York  City.  Morning  prayer 
was  commenced  by  the  Rev.  John  W.  Shackelford,  of 
the  House  of  Prayer,  Newark,  N.  J.,  the  first  lesson, 
I  Kings  VIII  22-63  ^^^  ^^^'^  ^y  '^he  Rev.  Alvi  T. 
Twing,  rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Lansingburgh ;  the 
second  lesson,  Hebrews  X,  19-26,  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Wm  Rudder,  rector  of  St  Paul's  Church,  Albany;  the 
creed  by  the  Rev  Horace  M.  Bishop,  rector  of  Grace 
Church,  Albany;  the  prayers  by  the  Rev.  Sylvanus 
Reed,    rector   of   the   Church    of   the    Holy   Innocents, 


328  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Albany.  The  Communion  Office  was  begun  by  the  Rt. 
Rev.  Dr.  Whipple,  Bishop  of  Minnesota,  the  Epistle 
was  read  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Ambrose  S.  Todd,  rector  of 
St.  John's  Church,  Stamford,  Conn.  ;  the  Gospel  was 
read  by  the  Rev.  Thomas  W.  Coit,  rector  of  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Troy.  The  sermon  was  preached  by  the  Rt. 
Rev.  Dr.  Potter,  from  the  text:  "For  the  Glory  of  the 
Lord  had  filled  the  House  of  the  Lord."  I  Kings 
VIII,  ii.  The  sermon  was  one  which  was  long  remem- 
bered by  those  present.  The  offerings  were  for  the 
parish  school  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  and  were  intended 
as  a  thank  offering  for  the  completion  of  the  church. 
The  prayer  for  Christ's  Church  Militant  was  offered  by 
the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Brown  of  St.  George's  Church, 
Newburgh;  the  exhortation  and  invitation  were  read  by 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Francis  Vinton,  an  assistant  minister  of 
Trinity  Church,  New  York  city;  the  Rev.  Morgan 
Dix,  assistant  rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York 
city,  said  the  confession;  the  Provisional  Bishop  was 
the  celebrant.  The  thanksgiving  was  said  by  the  Bishop, 
the  Gloria  in  Excelsis  was  sung,  and  the  benediction 
pronounced  by  the  Provisional  Bishop.  Thus  closed 
a  service  which  to  the  people  of  St.  Peter's  and  to  the 
whole  city  and  diocese  was  full  of  significance. 

In  the  evening  the  rector  and  Mrs.  Pitkin  held  a  large 
reception  for  the  members  of  the  parish,  the  visiting 
bishops  and  clergy,  and  friends.  After  the  consecration, 
the  rector  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the  church  filled 
with  worshippers  and  many  new  families  enrolled  upon 
the  register.  The  Sunday  school  was  largely  increased, 
and  the  parish  school,  the  rector's  venture  of  faith,  was 
fairly  successful,  all  the  parochial  societies  were  busy, 
and  there  was  a  desire   to   undertake  such   new  work  as 


St.  Peter's  Church 

Original  Interior,  i860 


The  Building  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's        329 

might  seem  most  desirable  for  the  strengthening  and 
deepening  of  the  spiritual  life  of  the  parish. 

On  November  9,  i860,  Mr.  James  Kidd  and  Mr. 
Jesse  C.  Potts  were  appointed  a  committee  to  secure  an 
additional  sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars  "to  be  raised  by 
a  bond  and  mortgage  upon  the  Church."  It  was  also 
resolved  "that  the  surplus  income  of  the  Church  after 
paying  the  necessary  expenses,  be  irrevocably  pledged 
and  applied  to  the  payment  of  the  interest  of  the  mort- 
gage debt  upon  the  Church,  and  the  residue  to  a  reduc- 
tion thereof,  or  to  a  sinking  fund  for  the  ultimate 
extinguishment  of  the  principal  thereof."  On  December 
14,  i860,  the  rector  was  authorized  "to  execute  as 
many  bonds  of  the  Church  as  may  be  necessary  to  pro- 
vide for  the  outstanding  floating  debt  of  the  Church,  as 
can  be  taken  up  or  made  available."  The  whole 
amount  was  not  to  exceed  ten  thousand  dollars.  The 
bonds  were  to  be  payable  in  three  years  with  interest 
semi-annually.  These  measures  seem  to  have  relieved 
the  financial  pressure  upon  the  parish. 

On  April  24,  1861,  three  weeks  after  his  election  as 
senior  warden,  the  Hon.  Daniel  D.  Barnard  died.  He 
had  been  since  1827  a  resident  of  Albany  and  closely 
identified  with  St.  Peter's.  As  a  public  spirited  citizen, 
an  eloquent  advocate  and  a  true  Christian,  he  had  made 
a  deep  impression  upon  the  community.  There  seems 
to  have  been  no  action  taken  by  the  vestry  either  upon 
his  death,  or  that  of  his  predecessor,  the  Hon.  Marcus 
T.  Reynolds.  A  special  election  was  held  on  Septem- 
ber 3,  1861,  when  Mr.  Orlando  Meads  was  chosen  as 
warden. 

It  was  to  very  many  in  the  parish  a  surprise  to  learn 
on  their   return   after  the   summer   vacation,    that   Dr. 


330  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Pitkin  had  left  Albany  and  sailed  for  the  far  east.  He 
had  summoned  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  in  August  to 
request  a  six  months'  leave  of  absence  as  he  was  intend- 
ing to  make  a  voyage  to  the  East  Indies.  Even  to  the 
few  that  were  able  to  attend  the  meeting,  Dr.  Pitkin's 
announcement  was  sudden  and  unexpected.  No  action 
could  at  that  time  be  taken  upon  his  request  as  it  was 
impossible  to  secure  a  quorum  of  the  vestry.  After 
requesting  the  wardens  to  supply  his  place  at  his  expense, 
the  rector  took  his  departure  on  the  following  day.  A 
meeting  of  the  vestry  was  held  in  the  church  at  noon  on 
September  lo,  1861.  It  had  been  summoned  by  Mr. 
John  Taylor,  the  senior  warden,  to  consider  the  state  of 
the  parish.  Every  member  of  the  vestry,  with  the 
exception  of  Gen.  Cooper,  was  present.  A  statement 
was  made  by  the  senior  warden  concerning  the  departure 
of  Dr.  Pitkin.  Mr.  Taylor  said  that  on  the  sixth  day 
of  August  last,  at  the  verbal  request  of  the  rector,  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Pitkin,  he  attended  at  the  vestry  room  a 
proposed  meeting  of  the  vestry,  at  which  in  addition  to 
the  rector  and  himself,  only  Messrs.  Patten,  Kidd  and 
Fassett  were  present;  that  Dr.  Pitkin  made  a  statement 
to  the  members  of  the  vestry  in  attendance,  to  the  effect 
that  he  expected  to  leave  for  the  East  Indies  the  next 
day,  to  be  absent  about  six  months,  and  he  had  called 
the  vestry  to  inform  them  of  his  intention  and  to  request 
their  approval  of  his  absence;  that  in  view  thereof  he 
had  written  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Coit  of  Maryland,  and  also 
to  Bishop  Potter  in  regard  to  a  ministerial  supply  for 
the  Church  during  his  absence,  at  his  expense,  but  had 
not  heard  from  either  of  them ;  that  as  no  quorum  of 
the  vestry  were  present,  no  formal  action  could  be  had 
in  regard  to   the  matter;  that   Dr.  Pitkin  left  home  the 


The  Building  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's         331 

next  day  on  his  contemplated  journey,  and  would  not 
probably  return  under  six  months  from  this  time.' 
The  warden's  address  was  received  with  much  interest. 
Each  one  realized  the  gravity  of  the  situation.  After 
some  discussion  concerning  the  proper  course  to  pursue, 
and  the  legal  status  of  the  vestry  during  the  rector's 
absence,  it  was  determined  that  all  action  should  be 
taken  informally.  The  opinion  of  Judge  Johnson  on 
the  question  was  to  be  secured.  The  wardens  were 
then  asked  to  provide  a  clerical  supply  for  the  church 
at  the  expense  of  the  rector. 

The  Rev.  Wm.  T.  Wilson,  a  recent  graduate  of  the 
General  Theological  Seminary,  a  young  man  whose 
mental  powers  gave  promise  of  a  brilliant  future,  and 
at  that  time  in  temporary  charge  of  St.  James'  Church, 
Hyde  Park,  was  invited  to  take  charge  of  St.  Peter's. 
There  was  in  him  a  manly  vigor,  a  priestly  devotion, 
and  a  habit  of  thought  at  once  philosophic  and  spiritual, 
which  greatly  attracted  the  people  of  the  parish.  They 
recognized  and  appreciated  his  intellectual  qualities  and 
discerned  in  his  pulpit  utterances  not  only  the  right- 
eousness of  faith  and  adherence  to  revealed  truth,  but 
also  a  prophetic  tone,  a  poetic  fire,  a  spiritual  insight 
and  enthusiasm.  The  parish  was  delighted  with  him 
both  in  his  pastoral  relations  and  his  public  ministra- 
tions, and  everywhere  he  was  received  with  cordiality 
and  good  will. 

On  February  5,  1862,  the  vestry  met  to  act  upon  a 
letter  from  the  rector,  written  from  Hong  Kong,  China, 
on  November  22,  1861.  In  it  Dr.  Pitkin  said  "that  it 
will  not  be  in  my  power  to  return  home  within  or  near 

'  The  text  presents  Mr.  Taylor's  statement  slightly  abridged  from  the 
record  in  the  vestry  minutes.      Vol.  3.    p.  79. 


332  Saint  Peter's  Church 

the  period  you  so  kindly  granted  for  my  absence." 
Under  the  circumstances  he  considered  that  the  only 
proper  course  was  "to  resign,  which  I  hereby  do,  the 
Rectorship  of  St.  Peter's  Church  into  your  hands." 
Dr.  Pitkin  spoke  of  the  regret  he  felt  at  his  manner  of 
leaving  the  parish  and  the  pleasant  relations  existing 
between  himself  and  the  people  of  St.  Peter's.  He 
expressed  the  conviction  "that  we  shall  separate  with 
feelings  of  mutual  esteem  and  confidence."  He  hoped 
that  they  would  "find  a  man  more  earnest  and  faithful, 
who  shall  make  the  parish  of  St.  Peter's  larger  and 
stronger,  and  holier,  and  more  united  than  it  ever  yet 
has  been." 

This  resignation  came  as  a  surprise.  Action  upon  it 
was  deferred  for  one  week,  when  the  subject  was  again 
considered  in  a  meeting  at  which  every  member  was 
present.  After  discussion,  the  motion  to  accept  the 
resignation  prevailed  and  the  vestry  placed  upon  the 
minutes  a  series  of  resolutions  in  which  they  bear  wit- 
ness to  "the  zeal,  faithfulness  and  success"  of  Dr.  Pit- 
kin, they  speak  of  "the  numbers  which  have  been 
added  to  the  Congregation  during  the  six  years  of  his 
ministry,  and  "his  earnest  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  great 
work  of  rebuilding  the  parish  church  of  St.  Peter's;" 
they  declare  that  "in  parting  with  him  as  their  rector, 
they  beg  to  assure  him  that  he  will  carry  with  him  their 
kindest  wishes  and  their  earnest  prayers  for  the  welfare 
of  himself  and  his  family."  Mrs.  Pitkin  was  given  the 
use  of  the  rectory  until  the  first  day  of  May.  The  salary 
of  Dr.  Pitkin  was  also  continued  until  the  same  date.  It 
was  unanimously  resolved  that  the  Rev.  Wm.  T.  Wilson 
be  asked  to  accept  the  rectorship  of  the  parish  "at  a  salary 
of  two  thousand  dollars  and  the  use  of  the  rectory." 


■The  Rev.  William  "T.  fVilson 
Rcitor  if  St.  Petn'i,  1862-1866 


The  Building  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's         333 

Mr.  Wilson  was  reluctant  to  undertake  so  weighty  a 
charge.  He  knew  that  the  calls  upon  his  time  and 
strength  would  be  large.  He  did  not  feel  that  it  was 
possible  for  him  to  administer  the  parish  single  handed. 
To  divide  the  work  and  the  salary  with  an  intimate 
friend  in  whom  he  could  confide,  and  whose  assistance 
would  make  the  burden  of  care  and  responsibility  less 
onerous  was  Mr.  Wilson's  first  thought  when  the  call 
was  presented  to  him  by  the  wardens  and  Mr.  Pum- 
pelly.  He  proposed  the  name  of  the  Rev.  William 
Tatlock,  then  rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  North 
Adams,  Mass.,  as  coadjutor  in  the  rectorship.  The 
vestry  committee  had  no  authority  to  treat  with  him 
upon  this  proposition,  and  Mr.  Wilson,  thinking  it  was 
not  acceptable,  wrote  on  February  22,  a  brief  letter 
declining  the  call,  in  which  he  frankly  stated  that  he 
had  "neither  the  strength,  nor  the  experience,  nor  the 
acquirements  essential  to  the  successful  conduct  of  so 
large  and  important  a  parish." 

The  committee,  the  vestry  and  the  parish  were  un- 
willing to  allow  Mr.  Wilson  to  leave  them,  and  after 
consultation  with  him,  Mr.  Meads  opened  correspon- 
dence with  Mr.  Tatlock,  frank  and  full  on  both  sides, 
in  which  the  proposition  of  Mr.  Wilson  was  freely  dis- 
cussed, and  the  conditions  under  which  Mr.  Tatlock 
would  consent  to   serve    the   parish    were    ascertained. 

On  March  27,  1862,  the  Rev.  William  Tatlock  was 
called  as  assistant  minister  of  St.  Peter's,  "the  appoint- 
ment to  continue  during  the  rectorship  of  the  Rev. 
Wm.  T.  Wilson."  As  soon  as  this  action  was  made 
known,  Mr.  Wilson  sent  on  April  j,  a  letter  withdraw- 
ing his  declination  and  accepting  the  rectorship.  He 
says  in  it  that  "even  under    circumstances    so    favorable 


334  Saint  Peter's  Church 

and  indulgent  I  assume  this  great  charge  with  a   feehng 
of  profound  diffidence." 

The  experiment  of  such  an  association  of  two  young 
men,  each  able,  earnest  and  energetic,  had  never  pre- 
viously been  tried  in  the  American  Church.  The  man 
of  genius  and  the  man  of  cominon  sense,  the  man  of 
contemplation  and  the  man  of  action  were  yoked 
together  in  the  administration  of  the  parish  and  the 
development  of  its  spiritual  and  moral  power. 

There  were  those  in  Albany  and  throughout  the  dio- 
cese who  looked  askance.  Some  thought  that  the  war 
clouds  then  darkening  the  land,  the  excitement  and 
anxiety  of  the  hour,  the  financial  exigency  that  had 
risen  must  inevitably  affect  unfavorably  Church  life. 
It  is  a  proof  of  their  Christian  courage  and  knowledge 
of  men  that  the  rector  of  St.  Peter's  and  his  associate 
succeeded,  and  that,  in  those  years  of  strife,  bloodshed 
and  misunderstanding,  they  were  able  to  keep  the  parish 
true  to  its  high  ideals  and  to  show  a  gratifying  increase 
in  interest,  numbers  and  offerings. 

Dr.  Tatlock,  in  his  brief  but  characteristic  sketch  of 
Mr.  Wilson,  has  pleasantly  told  some  of  the  details  of 
their  life  together  in  Albany.  "We  formed  what  was 
in  fact  from  the  first,  and  afterwards  in  form,  so  far  as 
it  could  be,  an  associate  rectorship  which  was  altogether 
unique  and  very  interesting,  and  somewhat  dubious  to 
the  older  clergy  of  that  day.  It  was,  however,  a  suc- 
cess, and  lasted  without  a  ripple  for  four  years,  notwith- 
standing that  our  points  of  view  did  not  always  coincide, 
and  that  I  was  probably  as  positive  as  young  men 
usually  are  when  other  people  have  made  up  their  minds 
for  them,  which  was  rather  my  way  of  'conservative' 
thinking  in  those  days,  but  never  was  his.     Our  relation 


1 

I 


The  Building  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's        335 

was  perfect.  The  recollections  of  it  were  always  cher- 
ished by  both  of  us.  It  was  the  very  poetry  of  service 
to  work  together  in  a  ministry  that  had  in  all  its  con- 
ditions so  much  to  make  it  interesting.  I  suppose  the 
secret  of  it  was,  that  we  were  so  utterly  unlike  in  many 
of  our  characteristics,  and  withal  so  complementary, 
while  our  essential  principles  were  in  harmony.  "^ 
While  Mr.  Wilson's  sphere  was  especially  the  pulpit, 
his  associate  tells  of  the  effort  he  made  "to  choose  out 
some  few  prominent  men  who  had  never  taken  a  definite 
Christian  position,  and  visit  them  for  strong  and  serious 
presentation  of  religious  duty.  I  may  not  mention 
names,  but  the  recollection  comes  to  me  of  not  a  few 
such  men  with  whom  his  personal  influence  was  a  power 
for  good;  who  met  manfully  his  manly  appeals  for  con- 
science; and  who,  under  his  guidance,  entered  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  as  little  children,  and  adorned  their 
profession    in    consistent    public    and    private   Christian 

1»  »2 
ives. 

Mr.  Wilson,  although  a  close  student,  made  the  rec- 
tory of  St.  Peter's  a  pleasant  resort  for  a  few  congenial 
friends.  "The  rectory  was  a  favorite  gathering  place 
on  Mondays  for  several  of  the  neighboring  clergy.  We 
were  all  unmarried  save  one,  and  there  was  a  thoroughly 
enjoyable  social  atmosphere  about  us,  and  much  talk, 
too,  of  serious  and  helpful  things.  Wilson  was  a  most 
interesting  conversationalist  among  a  few  friends,  and 
no  one  who  was  a  part  of  those  times  will  ever  forget 
them.  But  he  was  at  his  best  at  night,  when,  with  a 
guest  or  alone  together,  we  sat  before  the  open  fire  in 
my   study.      I    should   say   he  was  an   original  talker — 

'  Dr.  Tatlock's  "  Reminiscences  of  William  T.  Wilson,"  p.  4. 
'  Ibid,  p.  8. 


336  Saint   Peter's  Church 

that  is,  it  was  not  so  much  of  books  that  he  was  wont 
to   talk,  as   on    lines   which,  however  books  may   have 

started    him,  he   followed   up   freshly  and    in    his   own 

» '1 
way. 

The  position  of  Mr.  Tatlock  in  the  parish  was  defi- 
nite and  precise.  He  was  in  every  sense  of  the  word  an 
equal  sharer  in  all  the  work  that  was  done,  but  certain 
duties  were  specially  allotted  to  him  for  which  he  had  a 
peculiar  fitness.  He  was  thorough  and  systematic 
in  the  sunday  school  and  other  parochial  organi- 
zations. In  his  care  of  the  poor,  sick  and  distressed  he 
showed  a  real  tenderness  and  affection  which  made  those 
whom  he  visited  look  forward  with  pleasure  for  his  calls. 
Under  him  the  instruction  of  those  ready  and  desirous 
to  be  confirmed,  was  the  reverse  of  dull  and  perfunctory, 
it  was  plain,  positive  and  practical.  While  by  general 
consent  Mr.  Wilson  was  usually  the  preacher,  the  con- 
gregation was  perfectly  content  to  listen  to  Mr.  Tat- 
lock's  instructive  sermons.  "Indeed,  the  congregation 
was  about  equally  satisfied  whether  he  read  the  lessons 
or  preached  the  sermon."^  Mr.  Tatlocks'  services  were 
so  much  valued  by  the  people  of  St.  Peter's  that  on 
December  18,  1863,  he  was  elected  as  associate  rector 
of  the  parish.  It  was  understood  that  this  office  was  to 
be  held  by  him  only  during  the  rectorship  of  Mr.  Wil- 
son. This  act  of  a  body  as  intensely  conservative  as 
St.  Peter's  vestry,  shows  a  high  appreciation  of  what  he 
had  accomplished  during  a  year  and  a  half  as  assistant 
minister. 

Mr.  Wilson's  efforts  to   relieve  the  parish   from  its 
indebtedness  by  a  strong  appeal  to  those  who  could  con- 

'  Dr.  Tatlock's  "  Reminiscences  of  William  T.  Wilson,"  p.  9. 
"  Ibid,  p.   1  z. 


The  Building  of  the  Third  St.  Peter's         337 

tribute  large  amounts,  made  it  possible  for  him  to 
announce  at  Easter,  1865,  that  the  mortgage  for  twenty 
thousand  dollars  had  been  cancelled.  That  Easter  day 
was  one  of  mingled  joy  and  sorrow  to  many  American 
citizens.  The  civil  war  was  ended,  but  the  great  presi- 
dent had  been  brutally  murdered,  and  with  the  Easter 
flowers  there  appeared  in  many  churches  the  tokens  of 
mourning.  Among  the  sermons  preached  by  Mr.  Wil- 
son in  St.  Peter's,  there  are  few  that  struck  a  more  sym- 
pathetic chord  or  left  a  more  lasting  impression  than  that 
upon  "The  Death  of  President  Lincoln"  preached  on 
Wednesday,  April  19,  1865,  the  day  of  his  funeral. 
Both  those  who  approved  and  those  who  disapproved 
the  principles  of  the  party  to  which  Mr.  Lincoln 
belonged,  united  in  commending  Mr.  Wilson's  true  and 
just  characterization  of  the  great  War  President, 
and  joined  in  a  request  for  its  publication.  It 
was  alike  a  tribute  to  his  eloquence  and  his  fearless 
impartiality.' 

In  the  following  spring  Mr.  Tatlock  was  urgently 
invited  to  become  rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Stam- 
ford, Conn.  While  there  were  many  ties  to  bind  him 
to  Albany,  and  his  work  had  been  in  a  large  degree  con- 
genial, there  were  many  reasons  which  inclined  him  to 
accept.  The  parish  was  a  large  and  important  one. 
Like  St.  Peter's  it  dated  from  colonial  times;  there  were 
memories  of  earnest  workers  like  Ebenezer  Dibblee  and 
Ambrose  Todd,  and  there  were  also  large  present  oppor- 
tunities open  to  a  judicious  rector.  Finally  on  May 
14,  1866,  Mr.  Tatlock  sent  his  resignation  to  the  ves- 
try. It  was  regretfully  accepted.  Mr.  Tatlock's  sub- 
sequent life  as  rector  of  St.  John's,  Stamford,  for  nearly 

'  For  an  extract  from  it  see  appendix. 
23 


338  Saint  Peter's  Church 

a  generation  and  the  honors  he  received  from  the 
American  Church  are  well  known. ^ 

Mr.  Wilson  found  it  impracticable  to  continue  his 
parish  work  alone,  and  on  September  7,  1866,  he  sent 
a  letter  of  resignation  to  the  vestry.  He  spoke  of  the 
cordial  relations  between  himself  and  the  parish  and 
the  sorrow  he  had  that  he  could  serve  no  longer  as  rec- 
tor. 

The  resignation  of  Mr.  Wilson  was  accepted  by  the 
vestry  with  profound  regret.  He  had  administered  the 
parish  for  five  years.  His  great  power  as  a  preacher, 
both  as  regards  beauty  of  style  and  wealth  of  matter, 
was  recognized  not  only  in  St.  Peter's  but  far  and  wide. 
The  burden  of  a  large  and  growing  parish  was  too  great 
a  strain  on  his  physical  strength  without  the  aid  of  his 
friend  and  associate,  Mr.  Tatlock,  and  for  a  season  he 
sought  relief  from  all  pastoral  care.^ 

'  For  a  sketch  of  Dr.  Tatlock,  see  appendix. 
"  For  a  sketch  of  Mr.  Wilson,  see  appendix. 


I 


■The  Rev.  William  Tat  lock,  D.D. 
Associate  Renor,  i86j-/866 


tor. 


receivea    irom    cue 


ine  hif? 


A\..lVi  A^«\»-^i^v>'^^'^^  ■'^''^  ^^^' 


> 


1^ 


i-i 


CHAPTER  XIII 

ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  DIOCESE  OF  ALBANY 

Telegraphic  election  and  declination  of  the  Rev.  John  Wilkinson, 
,866. — Election  and  acceptance  of  the  Rev.  William  Croswell 
Doane,  1866. — Institution  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Doane,  1867. — Suggestions 
of  St.  Peter's  vestry  concerning  the  proposed  new  diocese,  1867. — 
Contested  vestry  election,  1868. — Primary  convention  of  the  Diocese 
of  Albany  and  election  of  Dr.  Doane  as  its  first  bishop,  1868. — Con- 
secration of  Dr.  Doane  at  St.  Peter's  church,  1869. — Centennial  ot 
the  incorporation  of  the  parish,  1869. — Resignation  of  Bishop  Doane 
as  rector,  Easter  tide,  1869. — Election  and  declination  of  the  Rev. 
Dr.  J.  S.  B.  Hodges,  1869. — Election  and  declination  of  the  Rev. 
Wm.  A.  Snively,  1869. — Final  acceptance  and  institution  ot  Mr. 
Snively,  1870. — Organization  of  the  Cathedral  of  All  Saints,  1872. — 
Resignation  of  Mr.   Snively,   1874. 

AFTER  Mr.  Wilson's  departure  the  vestry  provided 
that  the  pastoral  work  of  the  parish  should  be 
done  as  far  as  possible  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lowry  of 
Greenbush.'  Early  in  the  autumn  there  was  appointed 
a  committee  of  the  vestry  "to  make  proper  inquiries 
and  recommend  to  the  vestry  some  suitable  person  as 
rector  of  this  Church."  Mr.  Orlando  Meads,  Mr. 
James  Kidd,  and  Mr.  Wm.  N.  Fassett,  its  members, 
made  no  formal  report  that  appears  on  the  minutes. 

On  December  11,  two  months  after  their  appoint- 
ment, Mr.  Meads,  the  senior  warden,  announced  that 
the  bishop  was  in  town,  and  would  probably  be  willing 
to  meet  the  vestry  and  advise  with  them  as  to  the 
proper  person  to  fill  the  rectorship. 

'  The  Rev.  Robert  Lowry,  now  living  in  New  York. 


340  Saint  Peter's  Church 

No  details  of  that  conference  are  given.  The  vestry 
minutes  only  say  that  Mr.  Mead  was  "authorized  to 
write  to  the  Bishop  to  meet  with  the  vestry,  which  he 
kindly  did,  and  a  free  conference  was  had  upon  that 
subject."  At  a  vestry  lueeting  on  Christmas  eve,  Gen. 
Cooper  moved  that  the  senior  warden  send  "A  telegram 
to  the  Rev'd  Mr.  Wilkinson  of  Milwaukee  asking  him 
whether  he  would  consider  a  call  from  St.  Peter's 
Church,  Albany."  A  prompt  response  was  returned 
and  laid  before  the  vestry  by  Mr.  Meads  on  December 
27,  1866:  "The  Rev.  Mr.  Wilkinson  had  replied  by 
telegraph  that  he  would  prefer  not  to  consider  a  call  from 
St.  Peter's  with  many  thanks."  As  no  quorum  was 
present,  the  meeting  was  adjourned  until  the  follow- 
ing evening  at  which  time  a  full  representation  of  the 
vestry  met  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Harmon  Pumpelly. 
Its  members  were  fully  determined  on  their  course  of 
action.  Gen.  Cooper,  soon  after  the  meeting  opened, 
moved  "that  a  call  be  sent  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  C. 
Doane  of  Hartford,  Conn.,  to  become  rector  of  St. 
Peter's."  After  this  had  been  carried,  his  salary  "was 
fixed  at  four  thousand  dollars  and  the  use  of  the  rec- 
tory. 

Mr.  Doane  was  then  rector  of  St.  John's,  Hartford, 
Conn.,  a  position  in  which  his  pastoral  gifts  and  real 
ability  could  be  fully  brought  out.  He  was  living  in 
a  community  which  remembered  his  father  when 
that  remarkable  man  was  professor  in  Washington  Col- 
lege, and  editor  of  The  Episcopal  Watchman.  He  had 
for  his  bishop  one  who  was  a  fitting  successor  of  Seabury 
and  a  friend  of  all  his  clergy.  The  decision  to  leave 
Hartford  was  made  only  after  much  deliberation  and 
after   a  full   understanding  with   the   authorities   of  St. 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany       341 

Peter's  upon  some  essential  matters  of  his  priestly  duty. 
He  told  the  vestry  that  the  weekly  eucharist  and  the 
daily  offering  of  prayer  and  praise  would  be  established 
in  St.  Peter's.  He  had  from  his  childhood  in  the 
delightful  home  of  his  father  at  Riverside  been  accus- 
tomed to  consider  them  the  bounden  duty  and  service 
of  every  priest.  To  this  announcement  there  was  a 
cordial  assent  both  by  the  vestry  and  people. 

Mr.  Doane  came  to  Albany  with  a  high  reputation 
for  learning  and  devotion.  A  son  of  the  great-hearted 
bishop  of  New  Jersey,  whose  gifts  as  a  theologian,  a 
preacher,  an  educator,  a  poet,  were  appreciated  by  the 
whole  American  Church,  and  a  godson  of  William 
Croswell,  whose  life  of  devotion  to  Catholic  truth  is  a 
poem  in  action,  he  had  positive  convictions  on  the 
position  which  should  be  occupied  in  this  country  by 
the  Church. 

He  came  to  Albany  at  a  period  when  the  results  of 
the  Oxford  movement  were  crystallizing  into  new  and 
beautiful  forms  both  in  England  and  America,  when 
there  was  a  truer  and  juster  view  of  the  Catholic 
Church,  and  its  relation  to  present  day  problems,  when 
outward  and  visible  symbols  were  coming  into  use  to 
express  doctrines  hitherto  obscured.  He  came  to  a 
staid  and  conservative  parish,  where  there  had  always 
been  reluctance  to  change  established  customs.  After 
his  institution  on  Saturday,  March  i,  1867,  by  Bishop 
Potter,  when  the  sermon  was  preached  by  the  learned 
canonist.  Dr.  Benjamin  I.  Haight,  he  entered  heartily 
upon  his  work.  The  weekly  eucharist  was  well  at- 
tended, and  the  daily  prayers  always  found  a  few 
gathered  in  His  name  to  receive  the  blessing  of  the 
Master.      He  had  the  full  confidence  and  cooperation  of 


342  Saint  Peter's  Church 

the  greater  part  of  his  parish  in  all  he  attempted  and 
did.  He  was  a  faithful  pastor  and  an  excellent 
organizer. 

Soon  after  his  rectorship  commenced  there  was  a 
change  made  in  the  style  of  music  sung  in  the  church. 
The  florid  and  ornate  compositions  selected  by  the 
organist  and  executed  by  a  well  trained  quartet  were  dis- 
tressing to  the  rector  and  to  many  in  the  congregation. 
Dr.  Doane,  using  his  canonical  right,  objected  and 
desired  a  more  reverent  and  seemly  tone  in  the  music 
of  the  sanctuary.  The  organist,  Mr.  John  B.  Marsh, 
tendered  his  resignation  on  April  ii,  1867  to  take 
effect  on  May  i,  which  was  accepted.  It  was  then 
resolved  that  for  the  coming  year  the  expense  for  music 
should  be  fifteen  hundred  dollars.  Mr.  Stephen  B. 
Whitney  was  appointed  organist  for  one  year  at  a 
salary  of  five  hundred  dollars. 

At  this  time  the  need  of  a  suitable  Sunday  School 
chapel  was  strongly  urged,  and  Mr.  Orlando  Meads, 
Mr.  James  Kidd,  Mr.  Philip  Ten  Eyck,  Gen.  John 
T.  Cooper  and  Mr.  John  Tweddle  were  named  as  the 
committee  to  select  a  suitable  lot. 

The  question  of  the  division  of  the  Diocese  of  New 
York  had  been  agitated  for  several  years.  The  Church 
on  Long  Island  felt  itself  able  to  become  a  separate  dio- 
cese, provided  the  funds  of  the  old  diocese  were  equit- 
ably divided,  and  the  Convocations  in  that  part  of  the 
large  jurisdiction  of  Bishop  Potter  had  held  several 
meetings  at  which  the  division  was  favorably  discussed. 
The  missionary  character  of  the  greater  portion  of  the 
counties  which  it  was  proposed  to  set  off  as  the  northern 
diocese  made  many  in  them  deprecate  any  division 
unless  there  could  be  either  a  large  amount  given  to  the 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany       343 

new  diocese  for  its  missionary  work  and  other  necessary 
expenses,  or  a  connection  be  maintained  between  the 
mother  diocese  and  the  new  northern  diocese  for  mutual 
aid  and  cooperation  in  all  church  work. 

Soon  after  the  adjournment  of  the  Convention  of 
1866,  the  committee  on  division  sent  a  list  of  inquiries 
to  the  parishes  and  missions  of  the  northern  Convoca- 
tion, covering  every  possible  contingency  and  hoped 
from  the  answers  to  learn  what  was  the  prevailing  senti- 
ment among  clergy  and  people. 

The  vestry  of  St.  Peter's  carefully  considered  the 
matter  and  passed  a  resolution  which,  in  substance, 
declared,  that  while  they  were  aware  of  the  need  of 
more  episcopal  supervision  for  the  growing  parishes 
in  Northern  New  York,  yet  it  was  a  question  whether 
that  need  could  best  be  met  by  the  erection  of  a  new 
diocese  or  the  election  of  an  assistant  bishop.  The 
opinion  was  strongly  expressed  that  a  connection  should 
be  maintained  between  the  mother  diocese  and  any  new 
diocese  in  Northern  New  York,  for  the  promotion  of  its 
missionary  and  other  interests.  It  also  urged  that  an 
episcopal  endowment  fund  of  not  less  than  forty 
thousand  dollars  should  be  secured  before  any  division 
was  consummated.  These  well  matured  opinions  of 
the  mother  parish  of  the  proposed  diocese,  in  which 
were  many  who  had  for  a  long  period  shaped  the 
legislation  of  the  Church  in  the  diocesan  conventions, 
carried  great  weight.  The  recommendations  of  the 
committee  on  division  embodied  these  provisions  in 
the  report  they  made  to  the  Convention. 

There  was  at  this  time  an  intense  excitement  in  the 
Church  concerning  ritual.  Many  an  innocent,  reverent 
and    helpful   gesture,  attitude  or  symbol,  was  hailed  by 


344  Saint   Peter's  Church 

some  timid  churchmen  as  the  sure  mark  of  a  Romeward 
tendency.  There  were  many  in  St.  Peter's  who  dreaded 
innovations  upon  the  established  customs  of  the  parish. 
They  could  not  cordially  assent  to  all  that  the  rector 
thought  would  inspire  or  express  the  reverence  and 
devotion  of  the  congregation.  A  younger  and  vigor- 
ous generation  were  becoming  recognized  as  leaders  in 
the  parish  work.  New  agencies  for  developing  and 
directing  the  energy  of  the  people  were  being  introduced. 

The  difference  of  opinion  culminated  in  an  attempt 
to  defeat  certain  candidates  for  the  vestry  who  were 
thought  to  be  the  special  friends  of  the  rector.  There 
was  much  discussion  during  the  solemn  days  of  Lent, 
and  on  Easter  Tuesday,  April  14,  1868,  a  large  num- 
ber of  parishoners  presented  themselves  at  the  polls. 
There  was  some  challenging  and  rejection  of  ballots 
offered  and  a  strict  scrutiny  of  every  voter  by  both 
friends  and  opponents  of  the  rector. 

The  tellers  reported  that  one  hundred  and  forty-eight 
votes  had  been  cast,  that  one  warden,  Mr.  Harmon 
Pumpelly  had  been  elected,  receiving  one  hundred  and 
forty-one  votes,  that  Gen.  Cooper  and  Mr.  Meads, 
the  opposing  candidates  for  the  wardenship  had  seventy- 
five  each,  and  that  Mr.  Frederick  G.  Tucker  had  one 
hundred  and  forty  votes,  and  the  other  candidates  had 
received  votes  ranging  from  eighty  to  sixty-eight.  The 
question  as  to  declaring  a  portion  of  a  vestry  elected 
when  there  had  been  a  failure  to  elect  the  full  number 
was  a  new  one.  The  chairman,  Dr.  Doane,  after 
announcing  the  report  of  the  tellers,  did  not  make  any 
formal  declaration  of  the  result. 

The  question  was  complicated  by  an  accidental  recount 
of   the  ballots  at  the   rectory  on  the  evening  of   the  day 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany       345 

of  the  election,  from  which  it  appeared  that  the  so  called 
"rector's  ticket"  was  elected  by  one  vote.  Dr.  Doane 
submitted  the  legal  questions  to  eminent  counsel,  and 
Gen.  Cooper  and  those  acting  with  him  also  put  the 
matter  into  the  hands  of  other  counsel.  A  letter,  or 
memorial,  reciting  the  facts  of  the  election  was  sent  to 
Bishop  Potter,  signed  by  forty-nine  gentlemen  of  the 
parish,  among  them  many  who  had  been  most  conspicu- 
ous for  their  zeal  and  liberality  when  the  new  church 
was  built  and  for  their  strong  interest  in  its  welfare. 
Before  Bishop  Potter  had  answered  it,  the  rector 
received  an  opinion  from  Judge  Parker  and  Mr.  S.  H. 
Hammond  dated  May  8,  1868,  advising  him  "with  a 
view  to  avoid  legal  controversy  in  the  church,  which 
would  be  scandalous,  *  *  *  to  hold  that  there  had 
been  a  failure  to  elect  the  entire  ticket  at  the  recent 
election,  and  that  the  old  vestry  should  be  deemed  to 
hold  over  for  the  current  vear  and  until  the  next  annual 
election."  Dr.  Doane  promptly  acted  upon  their 
advice. 

With  a  reply  from  Bishop  Potter  to  Gen.  Cooper  and 
the  other  signers  of  the  memorial,  justifying  the  rector's 
action  both  at  the  time  of  the  election  and  the  subse- 
quent discussion  of  it,  the  incident  was  closed  after  a 
summer  of  controversy  and  explanation  by  the  two  fac- 
tions. In  October,  1868,  Gen.  Cooper  and  his  associ- 
ates issued  a  pamphlet  for  the  information  of  the  con- 
gregation containing  the  memorial,  the  correspondence 
between  Dr.  Doane,  Gen.  Cooper,  Mr.  Fassett  and 
others.  Dr.  Doane's  statement  to  Bishop  Potter,  with 
a  running  commentary  and  other  documents.  The  text 
explains  and  justifies  their  point  of  view,  and  contends 
that  they  had  acted  from  the  best  and  purest  motives  in 


346  Saint  Peter's  Church 

all  they  did  and  said.  Its  circulation  was  limited,  and 
only  a  few  copies  are  now  known  to  be  in  existence. 
As  a  statement  of  facts  and  a  repository  of  important 
documents  it  is  of  permanent  historical  value. ^ 

During  the  last  week  of  September,  1868,  the  Con- 
vention of  the  Diocese  of  New  York  met  in  St.  Paul's 
Chapel,  New  York  city.  There  was  a  very  special 
interest  and  large  attendance,  for  it  was  the  last  Conven- 
tion of  the  undivided  diocese.  Thirty  years  before, 
Western  New  York  had  been  set  off,  the  first  division 
of  a  diocese  in  the  American  Church.  Now  the  strength 
of  the  mother  diocese  had  so  increased  that  two  other 
portions  needed  their  own  bishops  and  diocesan  organi- 
zation. There  was  an  under  current  of  strong  emotion 
and  affection.  The  scene  in  the  closing  hours  of  the 
convention,  when,  with  every  seat  filled,  the  gas  jets 
lighting  up  the  inemorials  of  a  storied  past,  the  tall  form 
of  Bishop  Potter  slowly  rose  to  its  full  height  from  his 
seat  beneath  the  quaint  old  pulpit  surmounted  by  the 
Prince  of  Wales'  feathers,  at  the  head  of  the  middle  alley, 
and  the  earnest  tones  of  his  voice  were  heard,  as  with  his 
well  known  gestures,  he  bade  farewell  to  the  brethren 
who  were  about  to  take  their  departure  on  the  morrow, 
is  one  worthy  of  the  brush  of  the  painter  or  the  burin 
of  an  engraver. 

There  had  been  much  anxious  debate  and  curious 
speculation  as  to  the  choice  of  the  northern  diocese  for 
its  bishop.  The  great  and  unceasing  admiration  of 
many  in  Albany  for  Bishop  Potter  made  them  think 
that  he  might  be  induced  to  return  to  his  old  home. 
The  learning  and  experience  of  Dr.  Thomas   Winthrop 

'  To  the  Parishioners  of  St.  Peter's  church  from  the  majority  of  the 
vestry.      8vo-pp.  66.      Albany,  October,   1868.      n.  p. 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany       347 

Coit  of  St.  Paul's,  Troy,  caused  the  consideration  of 
his  name  by  a  few  friends.  The  gentle  and  earnest, 
quiet  and  effective  work  of  the  pastor  of  the  Holy 
Cross,  Troy,  the  saintly  Dr.  Tucker,  gave  him  enthu- 
siastic admirers.  For  the  rector  of  St.  George's, 
Schenectady,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Payne,  several  friends  did 
effective  service. 

Dr.  Doane  had  been  from  his  entrance  upon  his  duties 
in  Albany  a  marked  man.  He  at  once  took  a  com- 
manding position  among  the  clergy,  and  was  highly 
esteemed  by  the  thoughtful  laity.  By  many  of  his 
brethren,  both  clerical  and  lay,  he  was  deemed  worthy 
to  receive  the  honor  and  labor  of  the  Episcopate. 
When  the  divison  of  the  diocese  had  been  ratified  by 
the  General  Convention,  there  was  no  name  more  fre- 
quently mentioned  in  connection  with  the  bishopric  of 
the  northren  diocese  than  that  of  the  rector  of  St. 
Peter's.  Dr.  Huntington,  the  cultured  and  thoughtful 
rector  of  Emmanuel  Church,  Boston,  of  old  New  Eng- 
land stock,  whose  renunciation  of  Unitarianism  and 
ordination  a  few  years  previous  had  been  the  sensation 
of  the  hour  in  the  puritan  capital,  had  his  strong  advo- 
cates. The  Rev.  Dr.  George  Leeds  of  Grace,  Balti- 
more, a  successful  parish  priest,  a  good  organizer,  and 
pleasing  preacher,  was  warmly  commended  by  a  consid- 
erable minority.  Other  priests  of  ability  and  dignity 
were  mentioned. 

The  bishop  of  the  diocese  issued  on  October  28,  his 
formal  announcement  that  "a  new  diocese  within  the 
bounds  of  the  said  diocese  of  New  York"  had  been 
erected  by  the  General  Convention,  "to  comprise  the 
nineteen  counties  of  the  Diocese  of  New  York  which 
lie  north  of  the  southerly  boundary  lines  of  the  counties 


348  Saint  Peter's  Church 

of  Columbia,  Greene  and  Delaware."  He  summoned 
the  Primary  Convention  of  this  new  diocese  to  meet 
"on  Wednesday,  the  second  day  of  December  next,  in 
St.  Peter's  Church,  in  the  city  and  county  of  Albany, 
at  half  past  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning." 

There  had  been  no  assemblage  of  clergy  and  laity  in 
St.  Peter's  comparable  to  this,  not  even  when  the 
church  was  consecrated.  The  parish  had  early  in  the 
century  rejoiced  in  the  presence  of  the  convention  of 
the  diocese,  but  comparatively  few  were  present  either 
in  1803  or  1819.  The  good  work  of  the  rector  of  St. 
Peter's,  Thomas  Ellison,  in  keeping  alive  the  Church 
in  northern  New  York  after  the  Revolution,  bore  its 
legitimate  fruit  when  the  long  procession  of  clergy 
entered  the  crowded  church  of  St.  Peter's  on  that  grey 
December  day  more  than  thirty  years  ago,  with  the 
Bishop  at  their  head,  the  well  ordered  service  proceeded 
with  dignity,  and  a  new  diocese  was  organized. 

The  Convention  was  graced  with  the  presence  of 
the  Bishop  of  Dunedin,  New  Zealand,  Dr.  Henry  L. 
Jenner,  then  on  his  way  to  take  possession  of  his  see, 
and  by  the  efficient  secretary  of  the  Diocese  of  New 
York,  Dr.  William  Eigenbrodt.  The  rector  of  St. 
George's,  Schenectady,  Dr.  Payne,  commenced  morn- 
ing prayer,  the  lessons  were  read  by  the  rector  of  St. 
Paul's,  Albany,  the  Rev.  J.  Livingston  Reese,  and  the 
collects  and  litany  were  said  by  the  rector  of  Christ's 
Church,  Duanesburgh,  the  Rev.  Dr.  R.  T.  S.  Lowell. 
The  Communion  Office  was  begun  by  the  Bishop  of 
Dunedin,  the  rector  of  St.  Paul's,  Troy,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
T.  W.  Coit,  being  epistoler.  The  sermon  was  by  the 
Bishop  of  New  York.  It  was  an  earnest  and  faithful 
setting    forth   of   some   of   the   essential  features  of  the 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany       349 

American  Church,  in  its  doctrine,  discipline  and  wor- 
ship and  its  witness  to  truth.  It  closed  with  some  per- 
tinent allusions  to  the  history  of  the  new  diocese  and 
praticularly  the  large  number  of  bishops  chosen  from 
within  its  limits.  There  was  a  pointed  commendation 
of  Dr.  Doane.  It  followed  the  mention  of  the  then 
recently  consecrated  bishops  of  Utah  and  Missouri  who 
were  only  a  little  past  the  canonical  age  of  thirty  years. ^ 
The  Bishop  of  Dunedin  proceeded  with  the  Communion 
Office,  and  was  assisted  in  the  administration  by  the 
Bishop  of  New  York,  the  rector  of  the  parish,  and  the 
rector  of  St.  John's,  Cohoes,  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Hobart 
Brown,  the  Benediction  being  pronounced  by  the 
Bishop  of  New  York. 

Upon  assembling  after  the  recess,  the  Rev.  Rev.  Dr. 
Coit,  the  senior  presbyter,  took  the  chair.  The  Rev. 
George  H.  Walsh  of  St.  John's,  Troy,  and  the  Rev. 
J.  H.  Hobart  Brown  were  appointed  temporary  secre- 
taries. It  was  found  by  a  roll  call  that  there  were  pres- 
ent sixty-two  of  the  sixty-eight  clergymen  entitled  to 
seats,  and  two  of  the  ten  not  entitled  to  seats.  There 
were  one  hundred  and  twenty-seven  lay  delegates  repre- 
senting sixty  of  the  ninety-six  legally  incorporated 
parishes  within  the  diocese.  The  delegates  from  St. 
Peter's  were  Gen.  John  Tayler  Cooper,  Mr.  George 
Dexter  and  Mr.  George  S.  Weaver. 

After  a  quorum  had  been  declared  present,  "the  Rev. 
Dr.  Doane  moved  that  the  ballot  be  dispensed  with, 
and  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Payne  of  Schenectady  be  elected 
president  of  the  convention.""  This  motion  did  not 
prevail,  and  as  the  result  of  the  election  the   Rev.  Dr. 

'  See  appendix. 

'  Journal,  Primary  Convention  of  Albany,  p.   21. 


350  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Coit  was  elected  president.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Brown  was 
then  elected  secretary  by  ballot,  and  Mr.  John  H.  Van 
Antwerp  of  Albany,  was  elected  treasurer  by  acclama- 
tion. The  Rev.  Dr.  Eigenbrodt  was  requested  to  accept 
a  seat  in  the  convention,  and  render  such  aid  as  his  wide 
experience  enabled  him  to  give  in  the  organization  of 
the  diocese. 

The  diocese  was  then  placed  under  the  full  episcopal 
charge  of  the  Bishop  of  New  York  until  the  election  and 
consecration  of   its  bishop.      A   well  written  address  of 
thoughtful  and  loving  greeting,  prepared   by   the    Rev. 
Dr.  Bostwick  of  Sandy  Hill,  was  unanimously  adopted 
and  read  to  Bishop  Potter  on  his  appearance  to  take  the 
chair  in  the  convention.      The  bishop   made   a  graceful 
and  affectionate  response  which  is  entered  in   full   upon 
the  journal.      The  first  debate  of  the  convention   arose 
over  the  name  of  the  new  diocese.      Many  of  the  dele- 
gates from  Troy  and  the  more  northren  parishes  wished 
to  follow  the  precedent  of  Western  New  York  and  call 
it  Northern  New  York.     Others  desired  to  follow  ancient 
catholic  custom  and  name  the  diocese  for  the  chief  city. 
There   was   a   long   and   earnest   debate  in  which  many 
took  part.      One  speaker  suggested  that  Northern  New 
York  was  not  sufficiently  descriptive,  and  that  the  diocese 
might   be   called   North   by    North-east   by  South-west 
New  York.     Another,  that  it  might  be  named  after  the 
extreme  northern  and  southern  towns  within    its    limits, 
Ogdensburg  and  Catskill.     A   third   warmly   pleaded    for 
the  designation,  Albany  and  "Troy.     Finally,    all   resolu- 
tions were  laid  upon  the  table,  and   the   convention   lis- 
tened  to   the   report   of  the   endowment   committee  of 
which  Dr.  Coit  was  the  chairman.  Dr.  Doane  the  secre- 
tary, and  Mr.  Van   Antwerp   the   treasurer.      The  sum 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany       351 

of  thirty-eight  thousand  dollars  ($38,000)  had  been 
pledged  of  which  twentv-seven  thousand,  seven  hun- 
dred and  thirty-two  dollars  and  ninety-four  hundredths 
(527,732.94)  had  been  paid.  The  members  of  St. 
Peter's  had  given  liberally.  Of  the  eighteen  thousand 
dollars  ($18,000)  secured  in  Albany  County  nine  thous- 
and three  hundred  and  seventy-five  (39,375)  came  from 
the  mother  parish.  In  their  report  the  committee 
expressed  their  confidence  that  not  only  would  the 
forty  thousand  dollars  asked  from  the  people  of  the 
diocese  be  obtained,  but  that  by  the  energy  and  tact  of 
their  agent,  the  Rev.  J.  H.  H.  Brown,  and  the  gen- 
erosity of  New  York  churchmen  the  sum  of  forty 
thousand  dollars,  in  lieu  of  any  portion  of  the  episco- 
pal fund  of  the  old  diocese  would  be  speedily  sub- 
scribed. After  the  appointment  of  standing  committees^ 
and  the  passage  of  a  resolution  fixing  the  annual  salary 
of  the  bishop  at  five  thousand  dollars  (§5,000)  the 
convention  adjourned  until  Thursday  morning.  When 
the  convention  came  together  the  following  day,  several 
important  matters  occupied  its  attention  before  proceed- 
ing to  the  election  of  a  bishop. 

Chancellor  Pruyn  voiced  the  sentiment  of  many  in  a 
resolution  declaring  that  it  was  the  sense  of  the  conven- 
tion that  the  bishop  should  not  be  rector  of  a  parish. 
It  was  discussed  and  then  laid  on  the  table.  Mr.  G. 
Pomeroy  Keese  pledged  the  convention  "in  the  event 
of  any  future  division  or  divisions  of  the  present 
diocese,  to  a  prompt  and  equitable  apportionment  of 
its  episcopal  fund."      The  Rev.    Dr.    Bostwick   moved 

'  The  Hon.  John  V.  L.  Pruyn  served  on  the  committee  on  the 
incorporation  of  churches  and  Mr.  George  S.  Weaver  on  that  concern- 
ing the  diocesan  fund. 


352  Saint  Peter's  Church 

for  a  committee  of  five  to  confer  with  similar  commit- 
tees of  the  dioceses  of  New  York  and  Long  Island  "con- 
cerning a  just  and  equitable  division  of  the  charitable 
funds  of  the  dioceses"  which  was  appointed.  Five 
trustees  of  the  episcopal  fund  were  then  elected  by 
acclamation  of  whom  Mr.  Harmon  Pumpelly  was  one. 
Upon  the  committee  of  nine  on  the  bishop's  salary 
there  served  from  St.  Peter's,  Mr.  Erastus  Corning  Jr., 
Mr.  Harmon  Pumpelly  and  the  Hon.  John  V.  L. 
Pruyn.  The  missionary  interests  of  the  diocese  were 
cared  for  by  requesting  the  rectors  of  parishes  to  pledge 
themselves  for  contributions  as  had  been  their  practice 
in  the  northern  convocation.  The  hour  of  noon,  which 
had  been  previously  determined  as  the  time  for  the 
election  of  a  bishop,  had  now  arrived.  The  great 
church  was  filled  with  an  attentive  and  expectant  throng. 
Bishop  Potter  with  calmness  and  deliberation  called  the 
convention  to  prayer.  The  sixty-eighth  Psalm,  in  the 
Prayer  Book  version  "Let  God  arise  and  let  His 
enemies  be  scattered"  was  sung,  the  venerable  Dr. 
Bostwick  said  the  minor  litany,  the  Veni,  Creator  Spiritus 
was  sung,  and  silence  was  kept  for  a  space,  while  all 
prayed  fervently  for  the  new  diocese  and  the  one  to  be 
chosen  its  bishop.  The  names  of  the  clergy  were  then 
called  by  the  secretary  and  those  of  the  parishes  by  the 
assistant  secretary,  the  Rev.  Robert  Weeks. 

While  the  tellers  were  counting  the  ballots  the  con- 
vention proceeded  with  routine  business.  At  length  the 
report  of  the  first  ballot  was  handed  to  the  president. 
Sixty  clerical  and  sixty-three  lay  votes  had  been  cast. 
Dr.  Doane  had  received  seventeen  clerical  and  eight  lay 
votes.  Dr.  Huntington  had  received  fifteen  clerical 
and  twenty-one  lay,  Dr.  Payne  six  clerical  and  five  lay. 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany       353 

Dr.  Leeds  three  clerical  and  eight  lay,  Dr.  Tucker 
three  clerical,  Dr.  Hoffman  three  clerical  and  two  lay, 
and  several  others  had  complimentary  votes.  On  the 
second  ballot  Dr.  Doane  received  twenty-eight  clerical 
and  thirteen  lay  votes,  Dr.  Huntington  twenty  clerical 
and  was  elected  by  the  laity,  receiving  thirty-four  votes; 
Dr.  Leeds  had  six  clerical  and  eight  lay  votes.  Dr. 
Payne  three  clerical  and  four  lay,  and  the  others  were 
scattering.  While  the  third  ballot  was  being  counted, 
the  subject  of  the  name  of  the  diocese  was  taken  from 
the  table,  and  the  motion  of  Judge  Fitch,  "That  the 
name  of  this  diocese  be  the  Diocese  of  Albany"  was 
adopted.  The  Bishop  of  New  York  from  the  chair 
gave  his  cordial  approval. 

The  third  ballot  showed  that  Dr.  Doane  had  been 
elected  by  the  clergy  and  Dr.  Huntington  again  by  the 
laity.  Dr.  Doane  receiving  thirty-five  clerical  and  nine- 
teen lay  votes,  and  Dr.  Huntington  thirty-four  lay  and 
eighteen  clerical  votes.  The  other  candidates  retained 
their  relative  positions.  On  the  seventh  ballot  Dr. 
Leeds  attained  his  largest  vote,  and  was  elected  by  the 
laity,  receiving  thirty-three  lay  and  nineteen  clerical 
votes.  Dr.  Doane  continued  to  be  elected  by  the 
clergy,  and  his  strength  among  the  laity  increased,  until 
on  the  ninth  ballot  he  was  elected,  receiving  forty-one 
clerical  and  thirty-one  lay  votes.' 

Bishop  Potter  formally  announced  that  William  Cros- 
well  Doane  having  received  a  majority  in  both  orders 
of  all  the  votes  cast  was  duly  elected  Bishop  of  the 
Diocese  of  Albany.  The  Te  Deum  on  the  call  of  the 
Bishop  was  then  sung;  the  canonical  testimony  from 
the  convention  was  duly  signed;  and  all  were  glad  that 

'  A  table  of  the  ballots  in  detail  will  be  found  in  appendix. 

23 


354  Saint  Peter's  Church 

the  long  contest  was  over.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Tucker,  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Payne,  Mr.  Wm.  H.  DeWitt  and  Hon.  R. 
H.  Cushney  were  appointed  a  committee  to  wait  upon 
the  Bishop-elect  and  announce  to  him  his  election  and 
i  nvite  him  to  appear  before  his  brethren  of  the  convention. 

Dr.  Doane  yielded  to  their  request,  and  when  he 
came  into  the  convention,  was  received  wtih  due  honor 
and  respect.  He  made  a  brief  address,  in  which  he 
said  he  had  neither  sought  nor  dreaded  the  office,  "for 
I  had  no  thought  to-day  that  such  an  election  was  pos- 
sible."  He  announced  his  acceptance,  "if  the  consent 
of  my  Right  Reverend  Fathers  and  the  Diocesan  Com- 
mittees shall  confirm  this  choice  and  thus  make  it  the 
voice  of  God  to  me."  His  closing  sentences  contained 
affectionate  allusions  to  "my  beloved  and  Right  Rev- 
erend Father  here, "and  "my  own  beloved  father  now 
in  Paradise"  and  besought  from  his  brethren  of  the 
clergy  and  laity  before  him:  "your  confidence,  your 
sympathy  —  I  had  almost  said  your  pity  —  and  your 
prayers  that  when  the  Chief  Shepherd  shall  appear,  I 
may  have  some  part,  with  you,  in  the  crown  of  glory 
that  fadeth  not  away."  After  Dr.  Doane's  address, 
which  was  delivered  with  much  feeling  the  convention 
took  a  recess  for  an  hour. 

At  the  closing  session  on  Thursday  evening  the 
standing  committee  was  instructed  to  take  the  steps 
necessary  for  the  consecration  of  the  Bishop  elect.  The 
elections  were  then  held,  and  while  the  tellers  were 
counting  the  votes,  General  Cooper  presented,  on  behalf 
of  himself  and  the  other  members  of  the  vestry,  an  offer 
of  St.  Peter's  Church  for  the  consecration  of  the  Bishop- 
elect.^     Thanks  were  given  to  the  Bishop  of  New  York 

'  For  the  foil  text  of  his  note  see  appendix. 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany       355 

for  his  presence  and  deep  personal  interest  in  the  im- 
portant business  of  the  session ;  to  the  vestry  of  St. 
Peter's  Church  for  the  arrangements  for  the  comforts 
and  convenience  of  the  convention;  and  to  the  church- 
men of  Albany  for  their  hospitality;  also  to  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Eigenbrodt  for  his  valuable  assistance.  The 
results  of  the  elections  were  announced.  St.  Peter's 
was  represented  on  the  Standing  Committee  by  Mr. 
Orlando  Meads,  and  on  the  Missionary  Committee  by 
Judge  Lyman  Tremain.  Mr.  Meads  headed  the  lay 
deputation  to  the  General  Convention  and  Mr.  Pruyn 
was  among  the  provisional  deputies.  Mr.  Meads  also 
headed  the  lay  representatives  in  the  Federate  Council. 
Among  the  closing  acts  of  the  convention  was  the  passage 
of  this  resolution  offered  by  the  Rev.  John  Henry 
Hopkins  "That  this  Convention  has  received  with  great 
pleasure  the  tender  of  the  use  of  St.  Peter's  Church, 
Albany,  for  the  consecration  of  the  Bishop-elect  of  this 
Diocese;  and  feel  assured  that  as  no  building  could  be 
more  appropriate  for  that  holy  service  than  the  mother 
church  of  the  new  diocese,  so  the  offer  thus  kindly 
made  will  be  favorably  considered  by  the  authorities 
empowered  to  act  in  the  premises."^ 

Bishop  Potter  briefly  addressed  the  Convention  con- 
gratulating it  upon  what  had  been  done.  The  Gloria  in 
Excehis  was  then  sung.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Reese  of  St. 
Paul's,  Albany,  said  appropriate  collects,  and  the  Bless- 
ing was  pronounced  by  the  Bishop. 

Thus  was  completed  the  organization  of  a  new  and  vig- 
orous diocese.  Both  clergy  and  lay  delegates  separated 
with  a  feeling  of  devout  thankfulness  for  the  results  of 
the  two  days  work.      Even  those  who  had  been  opposed 

'  Journal,  p.  58. 


35^  Saint  Peter's  Church 

to  the  election  of  Dr.  Doane  loyally  acquiesed  in  the 
choice  of  the  diocese,  and  went  home  determined  that 
in  every  way  the  Diocese  of  Albany  should  be  united 
and  prosperous.  Some  of  the  members  of  St.  Peter's 
had  taken  an  active  part  in  the  successive  steps  which 
led  to  the  achievement  of  their  desires,  and  all  the  peo- 
ple of  the  parish  felt  honored  in  the  elevation  to  the 
episcopate  of  their  rector.  Dr.  Doane  continued 
quietly  doing  his  ordinary  parochial  work,  paying  no 
attention  to  the  frequent  charges  of  "ritualism"  urged 
against  him,  and  the  rumors  of  an  organized  opposi- 
tion by  some  of  those  who  must  canonically  approve 
the  election.  His  opponents  were  conscientious,  for 
they  dreaded  what  they  styled  "innovations"  in  the 
Church.  The  Standing  Committee  promptly  sent  out 
the  formal  notification  asking  consent,  to  the  various 
Standing  Committees,  and  appointed  their  secretary,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Brown,  Mr.  James  Roy  and  Mr.  Orlando 
Meads  as  a  special  committee  of  arrangements  for  the 
Consecration. 

On  January  5,  1869,  it  was  known  that  a  majority  of 
the  Standing  Committees  had  given  their  consent,'  and 
the  venerable  Dr.  Smith,  Bishop  of  Kentucky  and 
Presiding  Bishop,  was  notified,  and  requested  to  send 
out  the  proper  notices  to  the  bishops.  On  January  25, 
the  Presiding  Bishop  sent  word  to  Dr.  Coit,  the  presi- 
dent of  the  Standing  Committtee  that  a  major  number 
of  the  bishops  had  consented."  He  issued  at  the  same 
time  his  commission  to  the  Bishop  of  New  York 
to  be  the  consecrator,  the  Bishop  of  New  Jersey 
to  be  the  preacher,  the  Bishop  of  Maine  and  the  Bishop 

'  For  the  list  see  appendix. 
"  For  the  list  see  appendix. 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany       357 

of  Long  Island  to  be  the  presenters.  He  also  appointed 
the  Feast  of  the  Purification,  February  2,  1869,  as  the 
time,  and  St.  Peter's  Church,  Albany,  as  the  place  for 
the  consecration. 

On  that  dull  morning  in  February  St.  Peter's  put  on 
a  festal  appearance.  Those  living  within  the  diocese 
and  many  friends  of  Dr.  Doane  outside  desired  to  be 
present  at  a  solemn  and  imposing  service  which  for  the 
first  time  was  held  in  the  city  of  Albany.  The  diocese 
was  looked  upon  bv  advocates  of  small  dioceses  as  sig- 
nificant, and  its  Bishop-elect  was  considered  an  exponent 
of  the  true  principles  of  the  faith  and  practice  of  the 
American  Church.  The  committee  on  the  consecration 
was  aided  by  a  large  and  efficient  committee  from  the 
congregation  of  St.  Peter's.  The  members  of  both 
committees  used  the  greatest  care  that  all  who  were 
entitled  to  admission  should  be  accommodated  without 
disorder  or  confusion.  In  addition  to  the  clergy  of  the 
diocese,  of  whom  nearly  every  one  was  present,  more 
than  sixty  clergymen,  principally  from  New  York,  New 
Jersey,  Long  Island,  Central  New  York  and  Massa- 
chusetts were  in  attendance.  Laymen  came  from  far 
and  near. 

The  marshals  maintained  with  much  skill  the  proper 
order  of  the  procession  as  it  moved  from  St.  Peter's 
rectory  to  the  church.  It  was  led  by  the  vestrymen  of 
the  parishes  of  the  diocese,  after  whom  came  the  vestry 
of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Albany,  the  lay  members  of  the 
Standing  Committees  of  other  dioceses,  the  lay  mem- 
bers of  the  Standing  Committee  of  the  diocese,  the 
clergy  of  the  diocese,  the  clerical  members  of  the  Stand- 
ing Committees  of  other  dioceses,  the  clerical  members 
of  the  Standing   Committee  of  the  diocese,    the   officia- 


358  Saint  Peter's  Church 

ting  clergy,  the  Bishop-elect  with  his  attending   presby- 
ters, and  the  bishops. 

When  the  procession  reached  the  church  door,  and 
began  to  advance  up  the  middle  alley,  the  processional 
hymn  "Thou,  Whose  Almighty  Word"  was  sung.  The 
procession  separated  to  the  right  and  left  when  it  reached 
the  head  of  the  middle  alley  to  allow  the  officiating 
clergy  and  bishops  to  pass  through  to  their  appointed 
places  in  the  choir  and  sanctuary.  The  Bishop-elect 
was  seated  in  front  of  the  choir  steps  with  his  attendant 
presbyters,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Payne  and  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Tucker.  The  clergy  and  laymen  sat  in  the  seats  reserved 
for  them.  Morning  Prayer  was  commenced  by  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Morgan  Dix,  rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New 
York,  city,  and  president  of  the  Standing  Committee 
of  New  York.  The  first  lesson,  Isaiah  XXXV,  was 
read  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Eugene  A.  Hoffman,  rector  of 
Grace  Church,  Brooklyn  Heights,  and  president  of  the 
Standing  Committee  of  Long  Island.  The  second  les- 
son, St.  Luke  II,  22,  was  read  by  the  Rev.  R.  N. 
Merritt,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Morristown,  New 
Jersey,  and  secretary  of  the  Standing  Committee  of  New 
Jersey.  The  creed  and  collects  were  said  by  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Frederick  D.  Huntington,  rector  of  Emmanuel 
Church,  Boston,  and  bishop-elect  of  the  diocese  of 
Central  New  York.  The  Venite,  Te  Deum  and  Benedic- 
tus  were  chanted  antiphonally  by  an  enlarged  choir  to 
which  the  voices  of  the  musical  clergy  gave  an  addi- 
tional volume. 

The  sixth  verse  of  the  i22d  Psalm,  "O  pray  for  the 
peace  of  Jerusalem;  they  shall  prosper  that  love  thee" 
was  sung  as  an  Introit  by  the  Rev.  W.  H.  Cooke  of  St. 
John's  Chapel,  New  York   city,  the  Rev.  E.  M.  Pecke 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany       359 

of  St.  Peter's,  Cheshire,  Conn.,  and  the  Rev.  John 
W.  Shackelford  of  the  Church  of  the  Redeemer,  New 
York  city. 

The  Communion  Office  was  begun  by  the  Bishop  of 
New  York,  the  Bishop  of  Long  Island  being  the  epis- 
toler  and  the  Bishop  of  Missouri  the  gospeller.  After 
the  Gospel,  the  hymn,  "Thou  art  the  Way,  to  Thee 
alone,"  which  was  written  by  Dr.  Doane's  father,  the 
second  bishop  of  New  Jersey,  was  sung. 

The  sermon  from  Rev.  I,  17,  18,  was  preached  by 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  H.  Odenheimer,  Bishop  of 
New  Jersey.  It  was  clear,  logical,  eloquent.  It  set 
forth  "The  Dignity  and  Duties  of  the  Christian  Epis- 
copate." The  address  to  the  Bishop-elect  was  reminis- 
cent, thoughtful,  earnest,  pathetic.  After  the  ascrip- 
tion, the  Gloria  Patri  was  chanted.  Three  stanzas  of 
the  1 06th  selection  of  Psalms,  at  that  time  bound  up 
with  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  "O  with  due  rever- 
ence let  us  all"  was  sung.  Vested  with  his  rochet.  Dr. 
Doane  was  then  presented  to  the  Bishop  Presiding, 
"sitting  in  his  chair,  near  the  Holy  Table,"  by  the 
Bishop  of  Maine,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Neely,  and  the 
Bishop  of   Long   Island,  the   Rt.  Rev.    Dr.  Littlejohn. 

Upon  the  call  for  testimonials,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brown, 
secretary  of  the  diocese,  read  the  "Testimony  from  the 
Convention,"  the  Rev.  Dr.  Coit,  president  of  the 
Standing  Committee  read  the  certificate  of  the  consents 
of  the  standing  committees,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bostwick 
read  the  certificate  of  the  consents  of  the  bishops.  The 
promise  of  conformitv  was  made  by  the  Bishop-elect, 
the  congregation  was  bidden  to  prayer  by  the  Bishop 
Presiding,  and  the  Litany  was  said  by  the  Bishop  of 
Long  Island.      The  examination  of  the  Bishop-elect  by 


J 


60  Saint   Peter's  Church 


the  Bishop  Presiding  being  ended,  his  attending  presby- 
ters vested  Dr.  Doane  with  the  rest  of  the  episcopal 
habit.  The  Bishop-elect  kneeling  at  the  chancel  rail, 
the  Vent,  Creator  Spiritus  was  sung  over  him,  the  Bishop 
of  Maine  taking  the  place  of  the  Bishop  Presiding  and 
the  bishops,  clergy,  choir  and  congregation  responding. 
After  the  special  prayer  for  the  Bishop-elect,  the  Bishop 
Presiding  and  the  Bishops  of  New  Jersey,  Maine,  Mis- 
souri and  Long  Island  laid  their  hands  upon  his  head 
and  the  Bishop  Presiding  said  the  consecrating  words. ^ 
After  the  delivery  of  the  Bible  by  the  Bishop  Presiding, 
the  newly  consecrated  bishop  was  received  within  the 
sanctuary  by  his  brother  bishops  as  the  triumphant 
words  of  the  sequence,  "The  strain  upraise  of  joy  and 
praise,"  were  chanted. 

The  Bishop  of  Maine  said  the  offertory  sentences 
and  the  offertory  anthem  "Now  then  are  we  ambassa- 
dors for  Christ,"  was  sung  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hodges 
of  Grace  Church,  Newark  N.  J.,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cooke 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Shackelford. 

The  offerings,  which  were  nearly  five  hundred  dollars 
($500)  were  devoted  to  diocesan  missions.  The  Bishop 
of  Maine  said  the  prayer  for  Christ's  Church  Militant, 
the  exhortation  was  said  by  the  Bishop  of  Long  Island, 
the  confession  by  the  Bishop  of  Missouri,  who  also 
read  the  comfortable  words,  the  Bishop  of  Maine  lead- 
ing in  the  Ter  Sanctus.  The  Bishop  Presiding  was  the 
celebrant.  The  hymn  "Holy,  Holy,  Holy,  Lord 
God  Almighty,"  was  sung  after  the  consecration.  The 
Lord's  Prayer  and  Thanksgiving  were  said  by  the 
Bishop  of  New  Jersey.  The  Gloria  in  Excelsis  was  sung 
to  the  old  chant.      The    Bishop    Presiding    offered    the 

'  See  appendix  for  the  letter  of  consecration. 


41 


light  Rev.  H'il/iam  Croswell  Doane,  D.D.,  LL.D. 
Reitar  St.  Peter's,  l86j-i86g 


the  Bixshop  Presiding  ben 


Lon"  f 


pniise,  "  were  chanieu. 

and  the  c^ 
dors  for  ( 
of  Grace  Church, 

ar: 


G 


ending  prcsbv- 
the  episcoprf' 

|<»T) 

ig  and 

n  responding. 

Uishop 

,  NTis- 

njad 

rating  words.* 

Presiding, 

•'••rhin  the 

i-iphant 

.  ■,   and 

.ces 
,  .:;sa- 
Hodges 


the  k( 


Cooke 


ars 

lop 

'•:   Militant, 

;p  of  Long  Island, 

,  who   also 

./laine  lead- 

iding  was  the 

>ly,     Lord 

eration.      The 

said  by    the 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany       361 

special  prayer  for  the  newly  consecrated  bishop  and  gave 
the  Blessing. 

The  long  procession  then  reformed  and  left  the 
church  during  the  singing  of  the  hymn  "The  eternal 
gifts  of  Christ  the  King."  All  who  were  present  were 
impressed  with  the  dignity  and  grandeur  of  the  service. 
It  was  long  considered  one  of  the  most  notable  episco- 
pal consecration  services  that  had  ever  been  held  in  the 
American  Church.  The  diocese  had  now  its  chosen 
head. 

The  parish  of  St.  Peter  knew  that  it  could  not  expect 
the  bishop  to  be  exclusively  their  pastor.  It  would 
have  been  agreeable  to  very  many  if  Bishop  Doane  had 
been  able  to  maintain  a  permanent  connection  with  the 
parish,  having  a  competent  assistant,  and  thus  St.  Peter's 
become,  in  fact,  if  not  in  name,  the  cathedral  of  the 
diocese.  Others  were  of  the  opinion  of  Mr.  Pruyn, 
that  a  diocese  which  needed  development  and  much 
aggressive  work,  required  all  the  time,  thought,  energy, 
ability  and  devotion  of  its  bishop.  The  bishop,  soon 
after  his  consecration,  selected  for  himself  an  assistant, 
the  Rev.  George  Fisher  from  Schuylerville,  then  in 
deacon's  orders.  Mr.  Fisher  was  capable  and  efficient, 
and  able  to  care  for  the  daily  services  and  much  of  the 
routine  work  of  the  parish  leaving  the  bishop  free  for 
his  diocesan  duties. 

The  first  ordination  by  Bishop  Doane  was  held  in 
St.  Peter's  Church  on  February  21,  1869,  the  second 
Sunday  in  Lent,  when  the  Rev.  John  Irving  Forbes, 
missionary  at  Sharon  Springs  and  the  Rev.  William 
Henry  Capers  were  advanced  to  the  priesthood.  The 
bishop  preached  the  sermon;  eight  clergymen  were  in 
the  chancel,  three  of  them  from  other  dioceses. 


362  Saint  Peter's  Church 

At  a  vestry  meeting  held  soon  after  Easter  on  Wed- 
nesday, March  31,  1869,  Dr.  Doane  presented  his 
resignation  of  the  rectorship.  He  had  previously  inti- 
mated his  intention  of  resigning,  being  clear  in  his 
conviction  that  such  a  parish  demanded  the  full  time  and 
strength  of  its  rector.  He  was  urged  to  withhold  his 
formal  resignation  as  long  as  possible.  In  his  letter  he 
speaks  of  the  pleasant  ties  he  had  formed  and  how  hard 
it  would  be  to  break  them.^  The  vestry  was  reluctant  to 
accept  the  resignation  and  took  much  time  for  delibera- 
tion. On  May  18,  Bishop  Doane's  resignation  was 
accepted.  The  bishop  was  requested  to  continue  in 
charge  of  the  parish  and  occupy  the  rectory  until  a  new 
rector  was  called.  At  the  same  meeting  this  resolution 
was  unanimously  adopted:  "Resolved,  that  the  age  and 
location  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  as  well  as  the  election  of 
its  rector  to  the  Episcopate,  suggests  the  establishment 
and  maintenance  of  such  relations  to  the  Bishop  of  the 
Diocese  as  will  tend  to  the  increased  dignity  and  import- 
ance of  the  parish,  the  convenience  of  the  Bishop  and 
the  benefit  of  the  Diocese,  and  we  therefore  respectfully 
tender  to  the  Bishop  and  Diocese  of  Albany,  the  free 
use  of  St.  Peter's  Church  edifice  for  all  such  Episcopal 
acts  and  Diocesan  purposes  as  may  be  agreeable  to  the 
Bishop  and  beneficial  to  the  Diocese."  The  bishop 
gracefully  acknowledged  and  accepted  the  kind  offer. 
In  his  address  to  the  Convention  of  1869  he  thus  men- 
tions his  resignation  and  the  action  of  the  vestry.  "I 
note  here  the  acceptance  by  the  wardens  and  vestrymen 
of  St.  Peter's  Parish,  on  May  18,  of  my  resignation  as 
the  Rector  of  the  Parish,  offered  on  the  2d  of  April 
and  reiterated  more  than  once.      I  am  not  one  of  those 

'  The  text  of  the  letter  and  resolutions  of  the  vestry  will  be  found 
in  appendix. 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany       363 

who  feel  that  the  headship  of  a  Parish  interferes  with 
the  administration  of  a  Diocese.  On  the  contrary,  I 
think  no  Episcopate  complete  that  has  not  a  centre,  the 
Cathedral,  as  well  as  the  circumference,  the  Diocese. 
But  I  have  no  ambition  to  play  at  a  cathedral  (or  at 
anything  else)  which  is  an  utter  unreality,  unless  the 
seats  are  free,  and  the  administration  of  the  Parish, 
legally,  formally  and  finally  committed  to  a  manage- 
ment of  which  the  Bishop  and  his  clergy  form  an  inte- 
gral part  with  the  laity.  What  the  future  has  in  store  I 
do  not  know.  God  helping  me,  if  I  live  long  enough, 
the  Diocese  of  Albany  will  have  the  reality  of  a  Cathe- 
dral, with  all  that  it  involves  of  work  and  worship,  in 
frequent  services,  in  schools  and  houses  of  mercy  of 
every  kind.  In  the  meantime  I  have  gladly  and  grate- 
fully accepted  the  considerate  offer  of  the  vestry  of  St. 
Peter's.  I  note  the  fact  here  that  I  may  call  the  atten- 
tion of  the  Convention  to  the  following  resolution 
passed  by  the  vestry,  in  connection  with  their  acceptance 
of  my  resignation,  which  demands,  I  think,  the  recog- 
nition of  the  Diocese.  It  is  in  full  accord  with  the 
graceful  courtesy  of  the  offer  of  the  Church  for  the  ser- 
vice of  my  consecration,  made  by  the  delegation  and 
accepted  by  the  Primary  Convention  of  this  Diocese. 
*  *  *  Since  my  resignation  the  parish  has  been 
under  my  charge,  and  I  have  done  for  it  what  I  could. 
But  it  owes  very  much  to  the  indefatigable  faithfulness 
of  my  good  deacon,  Mr.  Fisher."  ^ 

On  St.  Mark's  Day,  1869,  which  fell  upon  the 
fourth  Sunday  after  Easter,  the  parish  celebrated  the 
centenary  of  the  granting  of  the  royal  charter  of  incor- 
poration.     Elaborate   preparations   were   made    for    an 

'  Convention  Journal,  1869,  p.   54. 


364  Saint  Peter's  Church 

event  at  that  time  uncommon.  Invitations  urging  their 
presence  were  sent  to  all  former  rectors  then  living. 
Only  the  bishop  of  New  York  could  attend.  It  was 
a  particular  gratification  that  he  was  preacher  and  the 
celebrant  in  the  Holy  Communion.  The  Rev.  Dr.  E.  N. 
Potter,  the  Rev.  Mr.  McArthur,  of  Canada,  the  Rev. 
George  Fisher  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Flack  of  Minnesota, 
were  in  the  chancel  with  the  bishops  of  New  York  and 
Albany.  The  church  was  beautifully  decorated  with 
flowers  and    legends  in  ecclesiastical  texts  and  colors. 

Bishop  Doane  in  his  convention  address  makes  this 
record  of  the  commemoration:  "The  service  was  as 
interesting  as  the  occasion  was  memorable  and  rare,  and 
as  the  rich  history  of  the  parish  in  the  past  opened  into 
large  promises  for  the  future,  our  common  prayer  was 
in  the  words  of  the  legend  which  decorated  the  walls  of 
the  sanctuary:  'The  Lord  God  be  with  us  as  He  was 
with  our  fathers.'  "' 

A  circular  had  been  previously  issued  to  the  congre- 
gation by  the  rector  and  vestry,  calling  attention  to  the 
centenary  celebration,  and  alluding  to  the  honorable 
position,  the  prosperity  and  progress  of  St.  Peter's  dur- 
ing the  one  hundred  years  since  Sir  Henry  Moore  the 
royal  governor,  had  signed  and  sealed  the  charter.  They 
urged  upon  the  people  of  the  parish  as  a  practical 
method  of  showing  their  gratitude,  that  the  offerings  on 
St.  Mark's  Day  be  devoted  to  the  erection  of  a  Sunday 
School   chapel  which  had  long  been  needed. 

It  was  estimated  that  fifteen  thousand  dollars  would 
be  required  to  build  a  structure  in  every  respect  suitable. 

The  congregation  nobly  responded  to  the  appeal  of 
the  rector  and  vestry.      The  sum   of  five  thousand  six 

'  Journal,  1869,  p.  48. 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany       365 

hundred  and  twelve  dollars  was  laid  upon  the  altar  as  a 
thank  offering  and  became  the  nucleus  of  a  fund  for  the 
building  of  "The  Centennial  Memorial  Chapel  of  St. 
Peter's  Church. "  It  was  allowed  to  slowly  accumu- 
late, while  various  sites  near  the  church  were  considered 
by  the  committee  previously  appointed,  and  suggestions 
received  as  to  the    character  of  the  building. 

On  Wednesday,  September  29,  1869,  the  annual 
convention  of  the  diocese  met  at  St.  Peter's.  It  was 
remarkable  for  the  large  number  of  clergy  and  laymen 
present  and  the  sermon  of  Dr.  Coit  upon  "The  Neces- 
sity of  preaching  Doctrine." 

The  reference  of  the  bishop  in  his  address  to  the 
offer  of  St.  Peter's  Church  for  episcopal  and  diocesan 
functions,  was  referred  to  a  committee  consisting  of  the 
Rev.  George  L.  Neide,  of  Champlain,  the  Rev.  John 
I.  Forbes,  of  Sharon,  and  Dr.  Abraham  Haun,  of  Little 
Falls.  Their  report  was  the  following  resolution,  which 
was  unanimously  adopted: 

"Resolved,  that  the  Convention  has  heard,  with 
unfeigned  pleasure,  of  the  offer  made  by  the  Vestry  of 
St.  Peter's  Church  to  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  of  the 
'free  use  of  the  Church  edifice  for  such  Episcopal  acts 
and  diocesan  purposes  as  may  be  agreeable  to  the  Bishop 
and  beneficial  to  the  Diocese,'  and  desires  to  express  its 
conviction  that  there  could  be  no  more  appropriate 
edifice  in  which  to  transact  the  formal  public  Episcopal 
and  Conventional  acts. 

Geo.  L.  Neide, 
John  Irving   Forbes, 
A.   Haun." 

Dr.  Doane  had  yielded  to  the  wishes  of  his  former 
parishioners  and  remained  in  charge  of  St.  Peter's.      He 


366  Saint  Peter's  Church 

knew  that  such  an  arrangement  could  not  continue  long 
without  serious  loss.  He  urged  upon  the  vestry  speedy 
action  in  the  choice  of  a  successor. 

Dr.  Thomas  Hun,  Mr.  Charles  M.  Jenkins,  and  Gen. 
Selden  E.  Marvin  were  on  October  26,  1869,  appointed 
a  committee  to  suggest  the  name  of  a  suitable  clergyman 
as  rector.  They  selected  the  Rev.  J.  S.  B.  Hodges,  then 
rector  of  Grace  Church,  Newark,  N.  J.  There  were 
several  reasons  why  he  declined  the  honor.  The  vestry 
formally  expressed  its   regret   that  he  could  not  accept. 

The  fame  of  the  Rev.  William  Andrew  Snively, 
rector  of  Christ  Church,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  had 
reached  Albany.  Mr.  Snively's  success  as  a  parish 
priest  had  been  remarkable,  he  was  a  preacher  who 
attracted  and  retained  thoughtful  people,  he  was  well 
read,  a  skilled  musician,  a  good  man  of  business,  his 
manner  was  genial  and  cordial.  In  the  five  years  of  his 
ministry  in  the  Church  he  had  shown  qualities  which 
indicated  for  him  a  distinguished  career.  He  was 
esteemed  and  honored  both  in  the  city  where  he  then 
lived  and  in  the  diocese  of  Ohio.  On  December  4, 
after  a  report  from  a  committee  who  had  visited  Cin- 
cinnati, Mr.  Snively  was  elected  rector.  He  was  reluc- 
tant to  leave  his  work  in  the  west  and  at  first  declined 
emphatically  to  consider  the  call.  A  visit  he  made  to 
Albany,  after  some  correspondence,  an  interview  with 
the  bishop,  and  personal  intercourse  with  members  of 
the  parish,  inclined  him  to  reconsider  his  decision.  A 
largely  signed  petition  was  sent  to  him  urging  him  to 
become  rector  of  St.  Peter's.  Finally  at  a  vestry  meet- 
ing held  on  February  22,  1870,  it  was  declared  that  the 
call  to  Mr.  Snively  "was  still  open."  Mr.  Snively, 
who  was  then  in  Albany,  appeared  before  the  vestry  and 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany        367 

announced  his  acceptance.  On  Easter  Tuesday,  April 
19,  1870,  Bishop  Doane  sent  to  the  wardens  and  ves- 
try a  letter  in  which  he  asked  to  be  relieved  from  any 
further  charge  of  the  parish,  and  commended  the  work 
of  the  Rev.  George  Fisher,  the  assistant.  He  spoke  of 
the  call  and  acceptance  of  Mr.  Snively  as  warranting 
'"the  conviction  that  it  is  'of  the  Lord  and  not  of 
men,'  "  that  he  had  already  "secured  the  confidence  of 
us  all."  He  reviewed  the  three  years  of  his  own  rec- 
torship, in  which  "through  all  difficulties  and  divisions 
much  certainly  has  been  gained." 

There  had  been  ninety-two  infant  and  nineteen  adult 
baptisms,  one  hundred  and  eighteen  had  been  con- 
firmed. The  congregation,  through  the  offertory  and 
by  subscriptions,  exclusive  of  the  pew  rents,  had  con- 
tributed fifty  thousand,  four  hundred  and  thirty  dollars 
and  twenty-three  cents  for  parochial  and  general  pur- 
poses. The  bishop  regretted  that  the  Sunday  School 
chapel  and  the  completion  of  the  organ  were  among 
the  unaccomplished  facts  of  his  rectorship.  He  closed 
by  commending  them  "to  God  and  the  Word  of  His 
Grace,"  and  assuring  them  of  "a  large  and  lifelong 
interest  in  my  work  and  in  my  prayers." 

The  vestry  received  this  letter  with  mingled  emotions 
and  expressed  their  feelings  in  a  resolution  thanking 
him  "for  his  faithful  and  successful  administration  of 
the  parish,"  and  assuring  him  of  their  personal  affec- 
tion. They  allude  to  the  "great  trials  which  have  hin- 
dered him  in  his  work  and  have  rendered  his  position 
peculiarly  painful  and  difficult,"  and  desire  "that  they 
may  be  forever  forgotten." 

At  a  vestry  meeting  held  on  April  9,  1870,  it  was 
resolved  to  adopt  certain  sections   of   an   act   passed   by 


368  Saint  Peter's  Church 

the  New  York  Legislature  on  May  9,  1868,  amending 
the  acts  "for  the  incorporation  of  religious  societies  so 
far  as  the  same  relates  to  Churches  in  communion  with 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church."  The  sections  relate 
to  the  qualifications  of  voters,  the  proper  notice  of  elec- 
tions, the  method  of  filling  vacancies  in  the  vestry,  the 
term  of  office  of  the  wardens  and  vestrymen,  the 
requirements  of  a  quorum  and  the  manner  of  changing 
the  number  of  vestrymen.  They  made  clearer  some 
points  which  were  obscure  in  the  charter  and  slightly 
modernized  the  method  of  procedure  in  conducting  the 
affairs  of  the  parish.  As  required  by  the  act,  the  resolu- 
tion was  ratified  at  the  annual  meeting  on  Easter  Tues- 
day, April  19,  1870.  A  certificate  of  adoption  was 
duly  filed  with  the  Clerk  of  the  County  of  Albany, 
and  the  provisions  of  these  sections  became  a  part  of 
the  organic  law  of  the  parish.' 

On  Rogation  Tuesday,  May  24,  1870,  Mr.  Snively 
was  instituted  into  the  rectorship  of  St.  Peter's  by  the 
bishop  of  the  diocese.  The  service  was  well  ordered 
and  a  large  number  of  the  clergy  and  members  of  the 
parish  were  present  to  wish  him  God  speed. 

Morning  Prayer  was  said  by  the  Rev.  J.  L.  Reese, 
the  Rev.  J.  H.  H.  Brown,  and  the  Rev.  Albert 
Danker,  of  Christ  Church,  Coxsackie.  The  sermon 
was  preached  by  the  Rev.  Francis  Lobdell,  rector  of 
St.  Paul's  Church,  New  Haven,  Conn.  The  rector 
celebrated  the  Holy  Communion,  assisted  by  the  Rev. 
E.  R.  Bishop,  of  Connecticut,  the  Rev.  Edward  Sel- 
kirk, of  Trinity  Church,  Albany,  the  Rev.  E.  B.  Rus- 
sell,  of  Grace   Church,  Albany,  the   Rev.    George    H. 

'  For  these  sections  and  a  copy  of  the  certificate  of  adoption  see 
appendix. 


The  Rev.  IVilliam  A.  Snively,  D.D. 

R,  :  •-   Peter's,   J&j0-j8j4 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany       369 

Walsh,    of   St.   John's   Church,    Troy,    and   the     Rev. 
William  M.  Jones. 

In  his  convention  address,  Bishop  Doane  speaks  of 
the  election  and  institution  of  Mr.  Snively  as  "an 
intense  relief  to  me,  and  a  very  great  pleasure  beside, 
with  abundant  promise  of  the  very  best  results.  Mr. 
Snively  has  consented  to  accept  the  appointment  of 
examining  Chaplain."^ 

Soon  after  the  institution  of  Mr.  Snively,  active 
measures  were  taken  by  Albany  churchmen  to  procure  a 
suitable  residence  in  that  city  for  the  bishop  of  the 
diocese.  A  committee  was  appointed  from  the  vari- 
ous parishes,  of  which  Mr.  John  S.  Perry  was 
chairman. 

It  held  several  meetings  in  St.  Peter's  vestry  room 
and  elsewhere,  and,  largely  through  the  activity  and 
energy  of  Mr.  Perry,  who  devoted  much  time  and 
money  to  the  object,  the  present  bishop's  house  on 
Elk  Street  was  purchased,  repaired  and  partially  fur- 
nished. The  largest  contributions  came  from  members 
of  St.  Peter's  parish.  At  the  meeting  of  the  Conven- 
tion in  St.  Peter's  Church  on  Wednesday,  September 
28,  the  diocesan  committee  on  the  episcopal  residence 
reported  the  purchase  of  the  house  by  the  local  com- 
mittee, stating  that  "a  fund  of  about  thirteen  thousand 
dollars  was  raised,  chiefly  by  members  of  the  congrega- 
tion at  St.  Peter's,  Albany,  towards  the  purchase  of  the 
desired  residence."  ^ 

In  his  address  the  Bishop  said:  "I  must  record, 
with  great  gratitude  to   Almighty    God,  and   with  most 

'  Convention  Journal,  1870,  p.   147. 

''  The  members  of  this  committee  were  Messrs.  John  V.  L.  Pruyn, 
James  Roy,  G.  Pomeroy  Keese,  James  Forsyth,  Thomas  A.  Tilling- 
hast.      The  report  is  in  the  Journal,   1870,  pp.  36-38. 

84 


^I'jo  Saint  Peter's  Church 

cordial  appreciation  of  the  generous  interest  of  the  par- 
ishioners of  St.  Peter's  Church,  and  others,  that  after 
six  months  of  homelessness,  with  very  great  anxieties, 
I  came,  for  the  first  time,  into  the  Bishop's  house  on 
the  loth  of  September.  I  am  bound  to  call  attention 
to  the  dignified  position  which  St.  Peter's  Church  occu- 
pies in  this  Diocese.  The  purchase  of  the  Bishop's 
house  is  due,  first  to  the  energy  of  two  or  three,  and 
then,  with  the  exception  of  seventeen  hundred  dollars, 
to  the  liberality  of  the  people  in  this  venerable  Parish. 
Bearing  in  mind  that  a  Mission  is  maintained  by  the 
Parish,  in  the  City,  at  a  cost  of  nearly  two  thousand 
dollars,  that  it  supports  an  orphanage  and  contributes 
liberally  to  the  general  charities  of  the  Church,  you  will 
agree  with  me  that  St.  Peter's  deserves  all  honor  from 
the  Diocese,  as  the  largest  giver  to  Diocesan  Missions, 
the  chief  endower  of  the  Episcopate,  and  the  virtual 
purchaser  of  the  Bishop's  house."  ' 

After  the  exciting  events  of  the  recent  past,  it  was  a 
great  satisfaction  that  the  course  of  parochial  life  was 
tranquil,  and  that  the  new  rector  justified  the  high 
opinion  formed  by  his  parishioners  of  his  tact  and  his 
ability.  The  strength  of  the  parish  was  constantly 
augmented.  By  the  increase  of  the  Sunday  School  the 
need  of  the  memorial  Sunday  School  chapel  was 
becoming  imperative,  and  the  fund  for  that  purpose  was 
slowly  growing. 

In  the  spring  of  1871,  the  Rev.  George  Fisher, 
whose  conscientious  and  faithful  work  was  highly 
valued,  resigned  his  position  as  assistant  minister  and 
accepted  the  rectorship  of  St.  John's  Church,  Stock- 
port,   Columbia    County,    N.    Y.      On  July   3,    1871, 

'Albany  Convention  Journal,  1870,  pp.   167,  168. 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany       371 

the    Rev.    Arthur    Whitaker    was    appointed    assistant 
minister. 

The  Bishop's  design,  announced  to  the  Convention 
of  1869,  to  introduce  the  cathedral  system  into  the 
diocese  whenever  practicable,  began  to  be  carried  into 
effect  by  the  opening  of  St.  Agnes'  School  for  girls  on 
September  7,  1870.  The  school  was  from  the  begin- 
ning a  success  and  was  adopted  as  a  diocesan  institution 
by  the  Convention  of  1870.  The  growth  of  the  school 
and  the  necessity  of  providing  a  proper  chapel  for  its 
scholars  led  the  bishop  in  1872  to  consider  the  advisa- 
bility of  organizing  a  new  parish  to  be  the  nucleus  of 
the  cathedral  congregation.  The  generous  aid  of  several 
friends  and  the  cordial  consent  of  the  standing  com- 
mittee to  the  formation  of  a  new  parish  within  the  city 
of  Albany  determined  him  to  open  on  All  Saints'  Day, 
1872,  the  Cathedral  Chapel  of  All  Saints.  On  June 
8,  he  sent  to  the  clergy  of  the  city,  a  letter  in  which  he 
announced  his  intention.  He  spoke  of  the  cordial  rela- 
tions which  had  always  "existed  between  the  Bishop 
and  the  rectors  of  the  Albany  parishes."  He  then 
gave  as  his  reasons  for  taking  this  action,  the  increase 
of  the  pupils  of  St.  Agnes'  School  by  the  erection  of 
the  new  building,  and  his  desire  to  begin  "a  free  church 
which  shall  grow  hereafter  into  the  Cathedral  of  the 
Diocese  and  be  a  centre  of  its  general  institutions  of 
education  and  mercy. "  He  alludes  to  the  courtesy  with 
which  he  had  been  welcomed  for  any  special  service 
in  all  the  city  churches,  the  offer  of  the  vestry  of 
Grace  Church  "to  surrender  their  building  for  the 
Bishop's  Church,"  and  the  action  of  St.  Peter's  ves- 
try "which  has  allowed  me  the  privilege,  so  often  exer- 
cised, of  using  their  beautiful  building  for  my  Episcopal 


372  Saint  Peter's  Church 

acts."      He  considers  that  all  the   best   interests   of  the 
Church  will  be  subserved  by  such  a  step.* 

In  1872,  the  Rev.  Thaddeus  A.  Snively  was  elected 
as  assistant  minister.  He  was  earnest,  energetic  and 
tactful.  A  mission  had  been  for  sometime  maintained 
by  St.  Peter's  Church  on  Arbor  Hill,  in  the  western 
part  of  the  city,  which  was  faithfully  served  by  Mr. 
Snively. 

In  April,  1873,  the   Bishop  urged  strongly  upon  the 
vestry  of  Grace  Church,  whose  church  building  was  on 
the    corner    of   Lark  Street    and  Washington    Avenue, 
to    change    its    location    and    unite    with    St.    Peter's 
Mission. 

On  May  16,  1873,  a  committee  of  the  vestry  of  St. 
Peter's,  the  rector,  Mr.  A.  C.  Judson,  Mr.  Cornelius 
Schuyler,  and  Mr.  George  S.  Weaver,  were  appointed 
"to  confer  with  a  committee  of  the  vestry  of  Grace 
Church  with  reference  to  a  union  of  the  latter  with  St. 
Peter's  Mission  on  Clinton  Avenue." 

As  the  result  of  a  conference  held  in  June,  Grace 
Church  was  removed  to  the  corner  of  Clinton  Avenue 
and  Robin  Street.  By  a  special  stipulation  of  the 
Standing  Committee  in  consenting  to  its  removal,  the 
Rev.  William  A.  Snively  was  elected  rector  of  Grace 
Church.  The  parish  came  specially  under  the  care  of 
the  Rev.  Thaddeus  A.  Snively,  the  rector  occasionally 
officiating. 

When  on  All  Saints'  Day,  1872,  the  temporary  chapel 
of  All  Saints  was  opened,  several  families  of  wealth  and 
prominence  in  St.  Peter's  enrolled  themselves  upon  the 
register.  The  senior  warden.  Dr.  Hun,  the  former 
senior  warden,    Mr.  Orlando   Meads,  General  Marvin, 

'  Journal,   1872,  p.   161. 


Organization  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany       373 

some  time  secretary  of  the  vestry,  Mr.  Erastus  Corn- 
ing and  others  were  among  those  who  gave  strength 
and  character  to  the  cathedral  congregation.  New  fami- 
lies were  constantly  being  added  to  St.  Peter's  as  the 
result  of  the  earnest  work  of  the  rector  and  his  assistant. 
The  services  were  reverent  and  hearty,  the  music  devo- 
tional, the  offerings  for  all  objects  were  large  and  gen- 
erous. 

By    the   consecration   of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Benjamin  H. 
Paddock  as  Bishop  of  Massachusetts  on  September  17, 

1873,  the  important  and  influential  parish  of  Grace 
Church,  Brooklyn  Heights,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  was  left 
vacant.  In  the  search  for  a  new  rector  the  qualifica- 
tions of  the  rector  of  St.  Peter's  were  carefully  con- 
sidered by  the  vestry  of  that  parish.  His  manner  of 
reading  the  service,  the  force  and  vigor  of  his  preaching, 
his  evident  ability  impressed  strongly  the  vestrymen 
and  others  in  Grace  Church.  In  the  spring  of  1874 
Mr.  Snively  was  called  to  the  rectorship  of  Grace 
Church,  Brooklyn  Heights.  After  maturely  consider- 
ing the  call  he  determined  to  accept,  and  on  March  12, 

1874,  presented  to  the  vestry  his  resignation.  In  it  he 
speaks  of  the  difficulty  he  had  in  deciding  what  was  his 
duty,  the  prospect  of  larger  usefulness  there  was 
before  him  in  Brooklyn,  the  cordiality  and  considera- 
tion he  had  ever  experienced  from  the  members  of  the 
vestry  and  the  people  of  the  parish.  The  vestry  recog- 
nized that  Mr.  Snively  had  acted  conscientiously  and 
accepted  with  expressions  of  sincere  regard  his  resignation 
to  take  effect  on  May  3rd,  the  fourth  Sunday  after 
Easter.  Mr.  Snively  at  the  morning  service  on  that 
Sunday  before  the  delivery  of  his  sermon  spoke  a  few 
sentences  of  farewell  to  those  whom  he  had  ministered  in 


374  Saint  Peter's  Church 

holy  things.  While  he  deprecated  the  idea  of  a  conven- 
tional farewell  sermon,  he  said,  "I  cannot  help  saying 
that  I  reach  this  last  Sunday  of  my  ministry  among  you, 
with  a  regret  which  if  words  could  express  it,  the  public 
service  of  the  Church  is  not  the   place   to  utter  them." 

He  declared  that  he  came  to  the  parish  four  years 
ago  "in  obedience  to  what  I  believed  to  be  the  call  of 
God's  providence,  and  now  I  sunder  the  ties  which 
have  bound  us  as  pastor  and  people  at  the  bidding  of 
the  same  high  authority.  I  had  no  desire  to  leave  you, 
no  ambition  for  any  larger  field  or  any  broader  work; 
and  the  call  to  that  broader  work  was  one  which  I 
shrank  from  and  ever  refused  until  it  was  pressed  upon 
me  by  considerations  of  duty  which  almost  compelled 
me  to  comply  with  it."  He  closed  with  these  words: 
"In  going  from  your  midst  there  is  one  thing  for  which 
I  am  and  always  will  be  thankful;  and  it  is  this  that  I 
can  look  each  one  of  you  in  the  eye  and  say  '  I  am  your 
friend  and  I  am  sorry  to  leave  you.' 

The  contemporary  account  says  that  this  address  was 
received  with  profound  attention  and  that  "many  were 
moved  to  tears. 


CHAPTER   XIV 

THE  PRESENT  RECTORSHIP 

The  Rev.  Thaddeus  A.  Snively  appointed  as  minister  in  charge,  April, 
1874.  —  Call  and  declination  of  the  Rev.  F.  Windsor  Brathwaite, 
May,  1874. — The  call  and  acceptance  of  the  Rev.  Walton  W.  Batter- 
shall,  July,  1874. — The  institution  of  Mr.  Battershall,  September  29, 
1874. — The  building  of  the  Parish  House,  1875. — The  erection  of 
the  Tweddle  Memorial  Tower  and  gift  of  the  Tweddle  Memorial 
Chimes,  1876. — The  remodeling  of  the  Chancel,  building  of  Choir 
Room,  Memorial  Altar  and  Reredos,  Chancel  Windows,  Chancel 
Organ,  and  decoration  of  the  Church,  1885. — The  new  Orphans' 
Home  of  Saint  Peter's  Church,  1885. — The  purchase  of  the  rectory 
lot  and  the  building  of  the  Memorial  Rectory,  1895. — The  twenty- 
fifth  Anniversary  of  Dr.  Battershall' s  rectorship,   1899. 

ON  the  departure  of  Mr.  Snively  for  Brooklyn  the 
parish  came  under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  Thad- 
deus A.  Snively  as  minister-in-charge.  His  work  as 
assistant  to  his  brother  had  gained  for  him  the  esteem 
and  respect  of  the  people  of  St.  Peter's.  He  was 
formally  appointed  at  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  held  on 
April  13,  1874.  Mr.  Snively  accepted  the  office  in  a 
brief  note  on  April  22,  in  which  he  said:  "I  thank 
the  Vestry  for  this  mark  of  their  confidence,  and  prom- 
ise that  no  effort  of  mine  will  be  spared  in  discharging 
the  responsibilities  of  my  trust." 

A  committee  upon  securing  a  new  rector  had  evi- 
dently been  appointed  at  a  vestry  meeting  of  which 
there  is  no  record.  Reports  from  that  committee  were 
made  at  the  meetings  on  April  13  and  27  by  the  Hon. 
Henry  R.  Pierson. 

On  May  i,  1874,  the  name  of  the  Rev.  Francis 
Windsor  Brathwaite,    rector  of   St.    Andrew's   Church, 


376  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Stamford,  Connecticut,  was  favorably  reported.  Mr. 
Brathwaite,  a  native  of  the  West  Indies,  had  received 
his  theological  training  under  Bishop  Williams  and  for 
nearly  ten  years  had  been  a  faithful  worker  in  the  dio- 
cese of  Connecticut.  After  full  discussion  by  the  vestry, 
it  was,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Grenville  Tremain, 

"Resolved,  that  the  Rev.  F.  Windsor  Brathwaite  of 
Stamford,  Conn.,  be  called  to  fill  the  vacancy  existing 
in  the  rectorship  of  this  Church  at  a  salary  of  four 
thousand  dollars  and  the  use  of  the  Rectory  and  an 
assistant."  This  was  cordially  seconded  by  Mr.  Twed- 
dle,  the  senior  warden,  and  "unanimously  adopted." 

Mr.  Brathwaite  after  visiting  Albany  and  consulting 
with  his  Bishop  and  other  friends,  felt  that  his  work  in 
Stamford  needed  him  and  declined  the  invitation.  His 
declination  was  reported  by  the  senior  warden,  Mr. 
John  Tweddle,  on  May  23,  1874.  It  was  received 
with  regret  as  the  rector  elect  had  made  a  very  favorable 
impression  upon  the  members  of  the  vestry  and  parish. 
In  a  series  of  resolutions  the  vestry  express  their  high 
regard  for  Mr.  Brathwaite,  and  renew  the  call  to  the 
rectorship,  assuring  him  "after  a  careful  investigation" 
that  this  action  expresses  "the  sentiment  of  the  parish 
amounting  to  unanimity."  Mr.  Brathwaite  while  care- 
fully considering  this  further  manifestation  of  regard 
felt  constrained  again  to  decline.  He  still  remains  the 
honored  rector  of  St.  Andrew's,  Stamford. 

The  parish  now  sought  a  rector  in  another  direction. 
On  Wednesday,  June  10,  the  Hon.  Henry  R.  Pier- 
son,  Mr.  John  S.  Perry  and  Mr.  George  S.  Weaver 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  "visit  the  City  of 
Rochester  for  the  purpose  of  hearing  and  conferring 
with    the     Rev.     Walton    W.     Battershall,     and    with 


The  Present  Rectorship  377 

authority  in  their  discretion  to  tender  him  a  call  to  the 
Rectorship  of  St.  Peter's  parish." 

A  vestry  meeting  was  summoned  for  Monday,  July 
6,  1874,  when  Mr.  Pierson  detailed  the  circumstances 
and  results  of  the  visit  to  Rochester.  He  then  moved 
that  a  call  be  extended  to  the  Rev.  Walton  W.  Batter- 
shall,  "to  become  our  Rector  with  a  salary  of  four 
thousand  dollars  (^4,000)  per  year,  and  the  Rectory, 
also  an  assistant,"  which  was  unanimously  adopted. 
An  official  call  was  then  made  out  and  signed  by  Mr. 
John  S.  Perry,  the  parish  clerk,  and  a  financial  state- 
ment of  the  condition  of  the  parish  drawn  up.  These 
documents  were  entrusted  to  Mr.  George  S.  Weaver  to 
be  presented  in  person  to  Mr.  Battershall.  At  the 
same  meeting  it  was  resolved  that  "the  resignation  of 
the  Rev.  William  A.  Snively,  communicated  to  the 
vestry  by  letter  dated  12th  of  March  last  to  take  effect 
on  the  I  St  of  May,  be  accepted  as   of   the   latter  date." 

On  July  10,  1874,  Mr.  Battershall  wrote  briefly  to 
Mr.  Perry  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  the  call,  say- 
ing, "I  cannot  but  express  my  sense  of  the  honor  con- 
ferred upon  me  in  the  call  to  that  historic  parish,  and 
my  appreciation  of  the  assurances  of  sympathy  and 
cooperation  with  which  the  call  is  tendered."  He 
alluded  to  "the  various  interests  that  are  involved," 
and  promised  to  give  his  final  decision  "at  as  early  a 
date  as  possible." 

The  position  and  influence  of  St.  Peter's  were  well 
known  to  him  as  he  was  a  native  of  the  neighboring 
city  of  Troy. 

Bishop  Doane  at  once  wrote  to  him  urging  his  accept- 
ance; Dr.  Tucker  and  others  of  the  clergy  and  laity 
assured  him  of  the   cordial   welcome   he   would   receive 


378  Saint  Peter's  Church 

and  the  good  work  that  could  be  done  in  the  ancient 
parish.  In  acknowledging  Bishop  Doane's  letter  he 
says:  "Your  statement  of  the  favorable  conditions 
which  exist  in  St.  Peter's  for  an  energetic  and  Churchly 
work  and  your  assurances  of  sympathy  and  advice  in 
the  prosecution  of  that  work  give  me  confidence  and 
hope  that  the  change  which  I  would  make  would  not  be 
a  mistake,  and  would  perhaps  enable  me  to  do  more 
effective  service  to  the  Church." 

Mr.  Battershall  consulted  h',s  own  diocesan,  the  Rt. 
Rev.  Dr.  Coxe  and  other  judicious  friends,  before 
definitely  determining  upon  leaving  Rochester.  The 
people  of  the  city,  and  his  own  parishioners  at  Christ 
Church,  among  whom  he  had  labored  with  vigor  and 
success  for  five  years,  were  very  reluctant  to  have  him 
leave  them. 

Finally,  in  August,  he  announced  his  acceptance  of 
the  call  to  St.  Peter's  parish  and  that  he  would  enter 
upon  his  duties  on  the  last  Sunday  in  September. 
There  is  no  formal  entry  upon  the  vestry  minutes  of 
this  acceptance.  On  August  26,  a  vestry  meeting  was 
held  whose  object,  as  announced  by  the  senior  warden, 
Mr.  John  Tweddle,  was  "naming  a  day  when  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Battershall  shall  be  instituted  our  Rector  over  St. 
Peter's  Church."  After  consideration,  the  twenty- 
ninth  day  of  September  was  unanimously  selected  "as  the 
most  fitting  time  for  the  institution."  Mr.  Battershall 
officiated  upon  Sunday,  September  27,  in  the  presence 
of  a  large  and  interested  congregation. 

He  received  from  all  the  members  of  the  parish  a 
cordial  welcome.  On  Tuesday,  the  29th,  the  feast  of 
St.  Michael  and  All  Angels,  there  gathered  a  large 
number  of  the  clergy  and  laity  of   the  diocese   in   addi- 


The  Present  Rectorship  379 

tion  to  the  parishioners  of  St.  Peter's.  It  was  a  beauti- 
ful and  well  ordered  service.  The  bishop  acted  as 
institutor  and  preached  the  sermon.  In  his  address  to 
the  Convention  of  1875  there  is  this  reference  to  the 
service : 

"September  29.  Feast  of  St.  Michael  and  All 
Angels.  I  instituted  the  Rev.  Walton  W.  Battershall 
into  the  Rectorship  of  S.  Peter's  Church,  Albany,  and 
preached.  There  were  present  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Reese,  W.  A.  Snively,  Harrison,  Caird,  Walker, 
Fisher,  Schwartz,  Smith,  Selkirk,  Saunders,  Townsend, 
Knauff,  Parker,  Gwynne,  Oberly,  Berry,  T.  A. 
Snively,  and  Blanchard.  How  much  the  service  recalled 
to  me;  of  my  own  Institution  and  of  my  two  years 
Rectorship;  of  my  election  and  Consecration  here;  of 
all  the  sacred  associations,  both  painful  and  happy  of 
my  last  pastoral  care;  of  the  pleasant  relations,  only 
sundered  and  never  severed  with  the  last  Rector,  and 
of  very  thankful  hope  from  the  energetic  ability  of  the 
new  Rector,  no  heart  knows  but  mine,  and  no  heart 
wished  Mr.  Battershall  a  heartier  or  more  hopeful  God 
speed. ^" 

Mr.  Battershall  soon  after  his  institution  began  to  take 
active  measures  for  carrying  out  the  plans  for  the  new 
Sunday  School  chapel.  At  the  very  first  vestry  meeting 
at  which  he  presided,  October  3,  1874,  it  was  resolved 
that  the  treasurer  of  the  Sunday  School  building  fund 
report  the  amount  of  subscriptions  and  the  general  con- 
dition of  the  enterprise.  The  report  of  the  treasurer 
does  not  appear  upon  the  parish  records.  The  original 
subscription  and  the  offering  upon  St.  Mark's  Day, 
1869,  had  been  practically   exhausted   by   the   payment 

'  Convention  Journal,  1875,  p.   103. 


380  Saint  Peter's  Church 

for  the  property  on  Maiden  Lane,  purchased  in  the 
autumn  of  1868.  This  proving  undesirable  it  was  sold 
in  1 87 1  and  lots  upon  Chapel  and  Lodge  streets  pur- 
chased for  sixty-five  hundred  dollars.  The  rector  and 
chapel  committee  exerted  themselves  to  obtain  sub- 
scriptions for  the  building,  and  it  is  understood  that 
nearly  five  thousand  dollars  of  the  estimated  cost  of 
the  building  were  on  hand  when  Mr.  Snively  resigned. 
A  thorough  discussion  of  the  plans  already  adopted 
which  were  of  a  severe  and  ecclesiastical  style,  not  well 
adapted  to  the  semi-secular  uses  of  the  parish  house, 
resulted  in  a  request  to  the  rector  to  procure  from  Mr. 
Upjohn  a  plan  for  a  convenient  and  appropriate  struc- 
ture which  would  show  its  character  in  its  architecture. 
The  new  plan  commended  itself  to  the  committee,  the 
vestry  and  the  congregation.  Under  the  impetus  given 
by  it  a  thorough  canvass  of  the  parish  was  made  and  a 
large  addition  to  the  subscription  obtained.  In  Jan- 
uary, 1875,  so  encouraging  was  the  outlook  for  obtain- 
ing the  required  twenty-five  thousand  dollars  that  on  the 
twenty-second  of  that  month  the  rector  had  referred  to 
him  the  plans,  with  directions  to  confer  with  Mr. 
Upjohn  and  other  architects  as  he  may  think  proper. 
Several  consultations  were  held,  the  specifications  were 
drawn  up,  the  plans  finally  approved,  and  in  April  the 
advertisements  for  bids  and  estimates  were  made.  On 
April  28,  1875,  Mr.  Battershall  reported  the  bids 
received  and  the  contracts  were  awarded  by  the  vestry. 
The  contract  for  the  carpenter  work  was  awarded  to 
John  M.  Parker  for  the  sum  of  19,744.00;  that  for  the 
cut  stone  work  to  S.  Thornton  for  $1,970.00;  and  that 
for  the  mason  work  was  offered  to  John  G.  Todd  at 
17,754.00.      It  was  understood  that   in   accepting  these 


The  Present  Rectorship  381 

bids  the  whole  work  was  to  be  completed  by  the  first 
day  of  October.  The  action  of  the  rector  in  ordering 
from  England,  tiles  for  the  exterior  decoration  of  the 
building  was  formally  approved. 

While  the  final  plans  for  the  parish  building  were 
being  discussed,  the  honored  senior  warden,  Mr.  John 
Tweddle,  who  had  long  been  a  member  of  the  parish 
and  a  generous  contributor,  entered  into  rest  on  Tues- 
day, March  9,  1875.  ^^  ^  meeting  of  the  vestry  held 
at  the  rectory  on  the  following  day  it  was  resolved  that 
the  vestry  attend  the  funeral  in  a  body,  wearing  an 
appropriate  badge  of  mourning.  The  rector,  Mr.  Har- 
mon Pumpelly,  Mr.  John  S.  Perry  and  Mr.  Grenville 
Tremain  were  chosen  as  a  committee  to  prepare  a  suita- 
ble memorial  minute.  It  is  entered  in  full  upon  the 
minutes.^ 

By  his  will  Mr.  Tweddle  bequeathed  to  the  parish 
five  thousand  dollars  "toward  the  necessary  fund  for 
the  completion  of  the  tower  of  said  church  building" 
and  "to  the  vestry,  in  trust,"  one  thousand  dollars  "to 
be  applied  and  used  for  missionary  purposes  in  the 
Diocese  of  Albany." 

Work  upon  the  foundations  of  the  parish  house  pro- 
gressed rapidly.  On  May  27  the  vestry  determined  to 
leave  with  the  rector  all  the  arrangements  for  the  laying 
of  the  cornerstone  and  formally  requested  him  to  make 
the  address.  At  half  past  four  o'clock  on  the  afternoon 
of  Wednesday,  June  9,  a  large  congregation  assembled 
in  Saint  Peter's.  The  bishop,  the  rector,  and  several 
other  clergymen  were  in  the  chancel.  After  a  brief 
service,  an  address  was  delivered  by  Mr.  Battershall. 
The  clergy  and    congregation    then    proceeded   to   the 

'  For  this  Memorial  and  Bishop  Doane's  tribute,  see  appendix. 


382  Saint  Peter's  Church 

east  side  of  Lodge  street,  the  site  of  the  parish  house. 
With  the  service  set  forth  for  use  in  the  diocese,  the 
bishop  laid,  in  the  name  of  the  ever  blessed  Trinity, 
the  cornerstone  of  "a  building  to  be  erected  here  for 
the  training  of  children  in  Christian  knowledge  and 
other  pious  and  charitable  uses  to  be  known  by  the 
name  of  Saint  Peter's  parish  house."  The  service  was 
well  ordered  and  impressive.  The  contractors:  were 
faithful  and  the  building  went  on  uninterruptedly  dur- 
ing the  summer. 

Early  in  the  spring  of  the  year  Mr.  J.  W.  Tilling- 
hast,  as  the  representative  of  the  Tweddle  family,  and 
the  rector,  consulted  with  Mr.  Upjohn  concerning  a 
plan  for  a  tower  which  might  fittingly  complete  the 
church,  and  its  probable  cost.  The  design  for  a  tower 
which  accompanied  the  original  plans  of  the  church  did 
not  commend  itself  to  the  rector  or  any  of  those  inter- 
ested in  the  erection  of  the  tower.  After  many  consul- 
tations and  some  correspondence,  Mr.  Upjohn  presented 
drawings  of  a  structure,  appropriate  and  of  great  beauty 
and  dignity,  which  were  approved.  The  generous 
purpose  of  the  family  of  Mr.  Tweddle  was  announced 
by  Mr.  Tillinghast  at  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  on  May 
27,  1875,  when  he  "reported  as  to  the  building  of  the 
Church  tower,  that  the  cost  will  in  the  judgment  of  the 
architect  be  128,000  to  coinplete  it,  that  in  his  opin- 
ion |22,ooo  will  finish  it  to  the  summit  of  the  belfry, 
that  the  proposition  of  Mr.  Tweddle's  family  now  is, 
to  go  on  with  the  erection  of  the  tower,  as  far  as  the 
amount  already  subscribed  by  them,  to  wit  the  1 18,000, 
will  carry  the  work,  that  they  will  agree  to  finish  it 
within  two  years."  The  response  of  the  vestry  was 
given  in  a  resolution  offered  by  Mr.  Grenville  Tremain 


The  Present  Rectorship  t,8 


o 


and  unanimously  adopted.  The  proposition  was 
"heartily  approved  and  was  an  additional  proof  of  their 
enduring  interest  in  the  Church."  Their  determina- 
tion "to  complete  the  tower,  cost  what  it  would, 
deserves  that  which  it  certainly  will  receive,  the  sincerest 
and  best  acknowledgments  of  all  connected  with  the 
Church."  This  expression  of  the  "deep  sense  of  appre- 
ciation and  gratification  at  this  memorable  and  graceful 
action  by  the  family  of  the  late  senior  warden,"  was 
entered  upon  the  minutes  and  a  copy  sent  to  the 
family  of  Mr.  Tweddle.  It  was  determined  that  a 
committee  of  three  should  be  appointed  by  the  rector 
"to  supervise  the  erection  of  the  tower  of  the  Church." 
Mr.  Tillinghast    was   appointed    at   this    meeting. 

On  July  6,  Mr.  Tillinghast  reported  that  "the  contract 
had  been  signed  to  build  the  Tower  to  the  parapet  for 
127,000  and  that  the  work,  was  to  be  entered  upon  at 
once."  He  also  announced  that  Mr.  Jesse  C.  Potts 
had  been  appointed  the  third  member  of  the  tower 
committee.  Mr.  Battershall,  made  in  suitable  terms  a 
report  of  the  further  generosity  of  Mr.  Tweddle's 
family  by  the  gift  from  Mrs.  John  Tweddle  of 
five  thousand  dollars  for  the  tower  fund  and  one 
thousand  dollars  for  missionary  purposes.  The  rector 
stated  "that  Mrs.  Tweddle  in  making  these  gifts  at  the 
request  of  her  husband  desired  to  express  her  affection 
and  regard  for  St.  Peter's  Church  and  also  desired  that 
each  of  these  sums  be  considered  a  joint  gift  in  connec- 
tion with  its  related  bequest  in  the  will  of  Mr.  Twed- 
dle, to  be  used  according  to  the  terms  of  that  bequest."^ 

In  a  resolution  offered  by  the  Hon.  Henry  R.  Pierson 
and    unanimously    adopted,    the    vestry    acknowledged 

'  MS.  vestry  minutes.      Ill,  p.   246. 


384  Saint  Peter's  Church 

"the  generous  and  voluntary  donation  of  Mrs.  John 
Tweddle  supplementing  the  munificent  gift  of  her  late 
husband." 

On  Mr.  Pierson's  motion  the  rector  was  authorized 
to  pay  over  to  the  tower  committee  the  two  sums  of 
five  thousand  dollars  each,  "to  be  expended  by  said 
Committee  as  found  necessary  in  the  progress  of  the 
work." 

At  a  meeting  held  on  July  13,  a  letter  addressed  to 
the  Rector  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  J.  H.  Hobart  Brown  on 
behalf  of  a  special  committe  of  the  Board  of  Missions 
of  the  Diocese,  the  Rev.  John  Townsend,  the  Rev.  J. 
H.  H.  Brown,  the  Hon.  Henry  R.  Pierson  was  pre- 
sented, representing  the  anxiety  felt  by  the  Board  con- 
cerning the  procuring  of  "funds  sufficient  to  carry  on 
the  missionary  work  for  the  current  year."  The  treas- 
urer had  reported  a  deficit  of  "about  fifteen  hundred 
dollars"  for  the  six  months  just  passed.  The  knowledge 
of  the  Board  that  Mr.  Tweddle  had  left  to  the  parish  a 
legacy  for  missionary  work  in  the  diocese  of  Albany, 
induced  the  appointment  of  the  committee  and  the  lay- 
ing before  the  corporation  of  St.  Peter's  Church  "the 
exigency  of  the  missionary  treasury."  The  committee 
was  well  aware  "of  the  noble  and  considerate  liberality 
of  St.  Peter's  Parish"  and  was  confident  that  "action 
for  its  relief  will  be  as  prompt  as  your  ability  may  war- 
rant and  conformed  to  your  best  judgment  of  the  intent 
of  the  lamented  testator." 

There  was  an  animated  consideration  of  the  letter  by 
those  present  at  the  meeting  but  no  conclusion  was 
reached.  General  Cooper  moved  that  the  two  thousand 
dollars  "be  used  as  the  foundation  of  a  fund  for  diocesan 
missions  to  be  known  as   the  Tweddle    Fund,  and   that 


The  Present  Rectorship  385 

the  income  from  the  same  be  paid  to  the  missionary 
Committee  semi-annually."  After  being  seconded  by 
Mr.  Cornelius  Schuyler  it  was  laid  upon  the  table. 

At  the  first  meeting  of  the  vestry  after  the  summer 
vacation  General  Cooper  renewed  his  motion  by  the  pre- 
sentation of  a  preamble  and  resolutions  in  which  allusion 
was  made  to  the  well  known  habit  of  Mr.  Tweddle  to 
contribute  for  missions  each  year  "a  sum  of  money 
equal  in  amount  to  the  interest  obtainable  upon  a  loan 
of  this  bequest."  The  finance  committee  was  directed 
"to  make  a  safe  investment  of  the  bequest"  which  was 
to  be  known  as  the  Tweddle  Missionary  Fund.  The 
annual  revenue  was  to  be  collected  by  the  parish  treas- 
urer and  by  him  paid  over  to  the  rector  for  diocesan 
missions.  A  similar  disposition  was  to  be  made  of  the  gift 
of  Mrs.  Tweddle.  A  vigr  rous  discussion  arose  but  finally 
General  Cooper's  motion  prevailed.  Dr.  Philip  Ten 
Eyck  was  made  a  member  of  the  committee  to  supervise 
the  building  of  the  Memorial  tower. 

At  the  same  meeting  it  was  resolved  to  place  in  the 
tower  room  of  the  church  a  tablet  in  memory  of  Mr. 
Tweddle,  for  which  the  rector  was  asked  to  prepare  the 
inscription.^ 

On  December  28,  1875,  ^^  motion  of  Mr.  Orlando 
Meads,  an  order  was  made  at  a  special  term  of  the 
Supreme  Court  of  the  State  of  New  York  by  Judge 
A.  M.  Osborn,  changing  the  name  of  "  The  Juvenile 
Retreat  of  the  City  of  Albany"  to  "  The  Orphans' 
Home  of  St.  Peter's  Church  in  the  city  of  Albany." 

The  liberality  of  the  family  of  the  late  senior  warden 
was  further  shown  by  the  offer  of  Mr.  George  Tweddle 
to  place   in   the  tower  a  chime   of   eleven   bells,    as    a 

'  See  following  chapter. 

25 


386  Saint  Peter's  Church 

memorial  of  his  father  and  mother.  The  bells  were 
to  range  in  weight  from  three  thousand  and  fifty  pounds 
to  two  hundred  and  forty.  The  order  was  given  to 
the  well-known  firm  of  bell  founders,  Meneely  & 
Kimberly  of  West  Troy.  The  tower  was  finished  to 
the  parapet  by  the  middle  of  December  and  the  bells 
were  placed  in  position  shortly  before  Christmas.  On 
Christmas  eve  a  large  number  of  the  parishioners 
gathered  in  the  church  to  await  the  first  notes  of  the 
chimes  which  were  to  proclaim  at  midnight  the  birth  of 
the  Christ.  Hundreds  had  also  filled  State  and  Lodge 
streets  to  hear  the  chimes.  Precisely  at  midnight  the 
ancient  bell  of  the  church  struck  the  hour  and  then  the 
jubilant  chimes  played  "Praise  God  from  Whom  all 
blessings  flow,"  in  which  hymn  the  whole  assemblage 
joined.  This  was  followed  by  several  appropriate 
carols,  including  "Venite  Adoremus"  and  "God  rest 
you,  merry  gentlemen."  All  who  heard  the  bells 
were  enthusiastic  in  their  approval.  A  contem- 
porary account  says:  "The  chimes  of  St.  Thomas 
Church  in  New  York  City  have  long  been  regarded  as 
the  finest  in  tone  and  tune  in  this  country.  But  a  gen- 
tleman who  was  present  at  St.  Peter's  on  Friday  night, 
whose  judgment  in  matters  musical  carries  great  weight, 
declared  as  he  listened  to  the  music  that  was  in  the  air 
that  the  chimes  of  St.  Peter's  were  as  mellow  as  even 
those  of  the  far  famed  St.  Thomas.  This  is  high  praise, 
but  who  that  has  heard  the  two  sets  of  chimes  will  say 
otherwise?"  Mr.  Walter  V.  Marsh,  the  chimer,  a  son 
of  Professor  John  B.  Marsh,  at  that  time  the  organist 
of  the  parish,  performed  his  part  with  much  skill  and 
proved,  as  was  said  at  the  time,  that  "he  was 
master  of  all  the  keys  that  unlock  their  rare  eloquence." 


The  Present  Rectorship  387 

Bishop  Doane  in  his  convention  address  in  January, 
1876,  says  of  this  gift: 

"December  25.  A  bright  Christmas  day,  in  spite 
of  the  storm,  was  ushered  in  gratefully  and  joyfully  by 
the  old  bell  rehung,  in  reverent  recollection,  in  the 
beautiful  new  tower  of  St.  Peter's  Church.  Its  tones 
were  the  prelude  to  the  chiming  of  the  delicious  bells, 
that  hang  there  with  it,  in  memory  of  Mr.  John  Twed- 
dle,  and  to  the  glory  of  God.  It  is  a  common  gift  to 
all  the  Christian  people,  and  especially  to  all  the 
Churchmen  of  the  city;  and  as  they  summon  us  all,  on 
the  Lord's  day  and  on  all  Holy  days  to  our  worship, 
common  and  the  same,  thank  God,  in  our  different 
buildings,  I  trust  we  may  recognize  more  and  more  the 
oneness  of  our  heritage  as  Churchmen;  not  shut  in  by 
any  mere  parochial  limitations,  or  personal  variations; 
for  the  solid  stone  walls,  that  hold  the  bells,  open,  to 
let  out  their  musical  notes,  free  and  common  as  the  air, 
which  is  glad  to  float  them  far  and  wide. 

"The  old  bell  is  not  a  Queen  Anne  Bell,  by  the  by. 
Its  date  is  thirty-seven  years  after  her  death,  1751,  and 
bears  the  names  only  of  the  Rector  and  Wardens  of  the 
Church  at  that  date.  And  on  Christmas  eve,  the 
chimes  did  not  'ring  out  the  old  and  ring  in  the  new,' 
but  rang  the  old  into  the  new;  as  the  first  Christian 
dav  of  the  first  Christian  centurv  sends  its  sweet 
songs  and  sweeter  gifts  into  this  far  away  time  and 
place.  "^ 

The  feast  of  rejoicing  for  St.  Peter's  parish  was  con- 
tinued during  the  Christmas  octave.  On  the  feast  of 
the  Holy  Innocents,  December  28,  the  completed  Par- 
ish House  was  dedicated   by  the  bishop  of  the  diocese. 

'  Albany  Convention  Journal,  1876,  pp.  80,  81. 


388  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The  bishop,  a  large  number  of  the  clergy,  parishioners 
and  other  churchmen  and  the  children  assembled  in  St. 
Peter's  at  a  quarter  after  four  in  the  afternoon.  A 
solemn  Thanksgiving  Te  Deum  was  sung  and  the  whole 
congregation  then  went  to  the  Parish  House  where  the 
special  service  was  said.  The  request  to  dedicate  was 
read  by  the  rector.  Bishop  Doane  reports  the  service 
to  the  Convention  in  these  words: 

"In  the  afternoon,  after  a  Te  Deum,  in  St.  Peter's 
Church,  in  the  presence  of  the  children  and  a  very  large 
gathering  of  clergy  and  people,  I  dedicated  the  new 
building,  known  as  St.  Peter's  Parish  House.  It  is  an 
admirable  building  for  admirable  purposes,  being 
intended  for  the  Sunday  School,  the  work  rooms,  the 
social  gatherings,  the  parochial  counsels  and  parochial 
energies,  so  important  and  essential  to  every  large  Par- 
ish. It  fills  a  need,  long  felt.  In  1869,  when  on  St. 
Mark's  Day,  the  one  hundred  and  fiftieth  anniversary 
occurred  of  the  incorporation  of  the  Parish,  the  Ves- 
try had  issued  a  circular  appointing  a  commemorative 
service,  and  proposing  to  erect  the  'Centennial  Memo- 
rial Chapel,'  as  a  recognition  of  the  century  of  bless- 
ings, which  God  had  given  them.  The  Bishop  of  New 
York  preached  the  sermon  on  that  day.  I  had  been 
only  three  months  consecrated,  and  was  in  charge  of 
the  Parish,  though  not  its  Rector.  I  reported  the 
service  to  you  in  my  first  Address  then ;  and  the  war- 
dens, in  their  report  to  the  Convention,  acknowledged 
the  large  offering  of  15,612.00  for  the  Chapel  build- 
ing. Begun,  at  least,  then,  in  this  way  it  lay  dormant 
for  a  while,  as  seeds  will.  The  money  then  given 
more  than  paid  for  the  ground,  I  believe.  And  I  was 
glad  to  commend  and  congratulate  the   Rector,    for  the 


Sf.  Peter's  Parish  House 
Built  187s 


:Tr"   nil 
and  ■ 
Pcrcr  s'  -.11    .1   u 


.'.>iVii^,,j,V<. 


Recto  J. 


1 


i 


The  Present  Rectorship  389 

successful  accomplishment  of  our  seven  years'  ago 
beginning."^ 

The  Parish  House  was  highly  appreciated  by  the 
various  organizations  in  St.  Peter's  and  soon  became 
the  centre  of  much  useful  work.  The  Sunday  School 
with  its  more  ample  and  convenient  accommodations 
was  largely  increased. 

The  death  in  February,  1876,  of  Mr.  Cornelius 
Schuyler,  "one  of  the  oldest  and  most  esteemed  citizens 
of  Albany,"  is  noted  in  the  vestry  minutes.  His 
associates  upon  the  vestry  bear  testimony  to  "the  purity 
of  his  character,  his  childlike  faith,  his  love  of  the 
Church,  loyalty  to  her  interests,  and  his  energetic  labors 
for  the  cause  of  Christ. "  Mr.  Schuyler  was  a  relative 
of  General  Philip  Schuyler,  who  in  the  early  years  of 
the  century  was  a  member  of  St.  Peter's. 

On  April  6,  the  rector,  wardens  and  vestry  sent  a 
brief  note  of  thanks  to  Mr.  George  Tweddle  for  his 
gift  of  the  chimes.  They  speak  of  his  "munificent 
gift,"  and  express  their  "high  estimate  of  the  superior 
workmanship  displayed  in  the  bells,  their  depth  and 
richness  and  accuracy  of  tone,"  and  their  satisfaction 
that  "their  sweet  utterances"  are  associated  with  their 
late  friend,  Mr.  John  Tweddle.  Mr.  Tweddle  had 
previously  acknowledged  a  note  of  the  rector  concerning 
the  chimes,  under  the  date  of  March  10,  1876,  in  which 
he  said  he  "did  not  think  it  necessary  to  make  a  formal 
presentation  of  the  chimes  to  the  parish,  as  it  was  well 
known  to  yourself  and  vestry  that  such  was  the  intent." 

On  June  23  the  rector  as  chairman  of  the  committee 
upon  a  tablet  commemorating  Mr.  John    Tweddle  and 

'  Albany  Convention  Journal,  1876,  p.  8z.  "One  hundred  and 
fiftieth,"  should  read  "one  hundredth."  It  is  in  the  text  of  the  bishop's 
address,  by  a  printer's  error. 


39°  Saint  Peter's  Church 

the  erection  of  the  tower,  reported  that  two  designs  had 
been  received.  The  committee  unanimously  recom- 
mended the  design  of  Mr.  W.  M.  Woolett,  of  Albany, 
which  was  approved  by  the  vestry.  The  feast  of  St. 
Michael  and  All  Angels  was  designated  as  the  most 
appropriate  time  for  the  dedication  of  the  tower  and  the 
rector  was  requested  to  arrange  for  the  services  on  that 
day  in  accordance  with  his  own  judgment. 

The  tower  grew  day  by  day  through  the  summer  and 
early  autumn  until  on  the  day  chosen  for  its  dedication 
it  stood  a  finished  thing  of  beauty.  Special  invita- 
tions to  the  service  had  been  sent  to  former  rectors  and 
assistants,  Bishop  Potter,  Dr.  Pitkin,  Mr.  Wilson,  Dr. 
Snively,  Mr.  Fisher,  and  others. 

On  the  morning  of  Friday,  September  29,  1876,  the 
church  was  well  filled  before  half  past  ten,  the  hour 
appointed  for  the  service.  The  procession  of  bishops 
and  clergy  moved  at  that  hour  from  the  vestry,  marched 
across  the  church  and  down  the  south  aisle  to  the  tower 
room  during  the  singing  by  the  choir  of  the  sixty-first 
psalm.  In  addition  to  the  bishop  of  Western  New 
York  and  bishop  of  the  diocese,  the  rector  and  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Snively,  there  were  nineteen  of  the  clergy  in  sur- 
plices. At  the  door  of  the  tower  room  the  procession 
was  met  by  the  wardens  and  vestrymen  of  St.  Peter's 
parish.  The  request  to  dedicate  was  then  read  and 
Bishop  Doane  proceeded  with  the  special  service  of 
dedication  set  forth  by  him  for  the  occasion.  When 
it  was  completed  the  choir  commenced  the  hymn 
"Onward,  Christian  Soldiers,"  the  vestry,  clergy  and 
bishops  reformed  and  passed  from  the  tower  room  to 
the  middle  alley  of  the  church,  and  proceeded  to  their 
appointed  places  in  the  chancel  and  nave.      The  Litany 


The  Present  Rectorship  391 

was  said,  the  Te  Deum  was  sung  as  an  introit,  and 
Bishop  Doane  began  the  Communion  Office.  The  ser- 
mon was  preached  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Coxe,  bishop 
of  Western  New  York,  from  the  text  "The  Name  of 
the  Lord  is  a  strong  Tower,"  Proverbs  xviii,  10. 
After  alluding  to  the  appropriateness  of  the  day  for  the 
service,  he  expanded  the  thought  of  the  security  and 
safety  those  have  who  flee  unto  the  Lord  for  refuge. 
He  dwelt  upon  the  revelation  of  the  name  Jehovah  to 
the  Israelites  and  contrasted  their  faith  and  devotion 
with  the  shallow  and  pretentious  attempts  of  those  who 
in  modern  days  think  they  can  live  without  God  in  the 
world  and  the  theories  of  those  who  claimed  that  the 
Great  First  Cause  is  "unknown  and  unknowable." 
"In  an  age  so  feeble  and  depraved,"  says  the  bishop, 
"thank  God  you  have  built  your  tower;  there  it  stands 
like  a  defiance.  It  will  long  outlive  the  Sciolism  to 
which  it  speaks  as  it  were  in  the  words  of  the  prophet, 
'whom  hast  thou  reproached  and  blasphemed  and  against 
whom  hast  thou  exalted  thy  voice  and  lifted  up  thine 
eyes  on  high.  The  Virgin,  the  daughter  of  Zion  hath 
despised  thee  and  laughed  thee  to  scorn;  the  daughter 
of  Jerusalem  hath  shaken  her  head  at  thee.'  '■'  *  *  * 
"So  then,  brethren  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  in  con- 
formity with  your  parochial  name  you  uplift  this  day 
your  strong  testimony  for  Christ.  Yon  tower  of  rock 
proclaims,  'Thou  art  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  Living 
God.'  And  it  will  speak  to  your  children's  children 
when  the  foolish  dreamers  of  this  age  shall  have  been 
forgotten.  The  next  caprice  of  'Science'  will  demolish 
theirs.  Eighty  dead  systems  of  Geology  were  classified 
and  laid  by  to  moulder  on  dusty  shelves  in  the  first 
quarter  of  our  century.      The  next  wave   of  theory  will 


392  Saint  Peter's  Church 

wipe  out  the  follies  that  amuse  us  now.  But  from  age 
to  age  your  work  shall  testify,  'The  Name  of  Jehovah 
is  a  strong  Tower.'         ****** 

"Churchmen  of  Albany,  I  beg  you  ever  to  repeat  his 
song  in  spirit,'  when  you  look  at  this  holy  and  beauti- 
ful house,  the  third  which  has  risen  on  this  spot  of 
memories,  where  your  fathers  worshipped.  Long 
may  my  beloved  brother,  your  gifted  rector,  stand 
here  as  upon  his  watch  tower;  and  long  may  the 
people  to  which  he  ministers  so  faithfully,  find  in 
him  a  'tower  of  the  flock;'  and  in  the  God  whom 
he  serves  a  rock  and  a  fortress.  Long  may  every 
Christian  who  prayeth  in  this  place,  in  the  sweet 
experience  of  the  Lord's  sufficiency,  have  occasion 
to  adopt  the  Psalmist's  language:  'Jehovah  is  my 
rock,  in  Him  will  I  trust;  He  is  my  shield  and 
the  horn  of  my  salvation;  my  high  tower  and  my 
refuge;  my  Saviour.'  " 

After  the  offertory,  which  was  to  defray  the  expenses 
of  the  tablet  and  the  service,  the  bishop  of  the  diocese 
proceeded  to  the  celebration  of  the  Holy  Communion 
in  which  he  was  assisted  by  the  rector  and  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Reese.  The  sermon  of  Bishop  Coxe,  which  was 
warmly  commended  by  all  who  heard  it,  was  pub- 
lished, with  an  account  of  the  dedication,  in  pamphlet 
form.^ 

'  That  of  the  Rev.  Wm.  Croswell  upon  the  Mother  Church. 

^  A  Tower  of  Memories.  A  Sermon  preached  in  St.  Peter's  Church, 
Albany,  on  the  Feast  of  St.  Michael  and  All  Angels,  A.  D.  1 876, 
when  a  Memorial  Tower  was  devoted  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  God, 
in  Sacred  memory  of  His  servant,  John  Tweddle.  By  the  Right  Rev. 
A.  Cleveland  Coxe,  Bishop  of  Western   New  York. 

Also  the  service  of  Dedication  set  forth  for  the  occasion  by  the 
Rt.  Rev.  Wm.  Croswell  Doane,  Bishop  of  the  Diocese. 

8vo.    p.  18,   Albany:   Weed,  Parsons  and  Co.,  1876. 


The  -Tweddle  Memorial  Tower 
Built  1876 


The  Present  Rectorship  393 

Bishop  Doane  thus  mentions  this  memorable  service: 
"  September  29.  St.  Michael  and  All  Angels.  I 
used  the  service  of  benediction,  in  the  tower-room  of 
the  new  and  noble  tower  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Albany. 

"The  sermon  was  preached  by  the  Bishop  of  Western 
New  York,  intwining,  with  the  blessed  lessons  of  the 
day,  and  of  God's  manifestation  of  Himself  as  the 
Rock  and  the  Tower,  most  energetic  protests  against 
the  godless  materialism  of  the  age;  and  giving,  to  our 
new  tower,  a  tongue  to  tell  of  tender  human  memories, 
and  of  the  everlasting  truth  of  God.  There  were 
nineteen  clergy  present,  and  I  celebrated  the  Holy 
Communion,  the  Rector  and  Dr.  Reese,  assisting. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Snively  was  welcome  back,  the  only 
representative,   beside  myself,   of  former  Rectors."^ 

At  a  vestry  meeting  held  on  November  25,  1876,  a 
full  and  carefully  prepared  report  of  the  finance  com- 
mittee was  considered.  It  proposed  the  reduction  of 
the  salary  of  the  assistant  minister  from  twelve  hundred 
to  nine  hundred  dollars,  and  that  of  the  basso  in  the 
choir  from  three  hundred  to  two  hundred  dollars,  the 
abolition  of  the  office  of  pew  rent  collector  and  the  issue 
of  bonds,  not  to  exceed  in  amount  five  thousand  dollars, 
of  the  denomination  of  five  hundred  dollars  each  to 
bear  interest  at  the  rate  of  seven  per  cent.  The  pro- 
ceeds were  to  be  applied  to  the  liquidation  of  the  liabili- 
ties of  the  parish.  After  discussion,  the  salary  of  the 
assistant  minister  was  fixed  at  one  thousand  dollars, 
that  of  the  basso  at  two  hundred  dollars  and  the  other 
suggestions  of  the  committee  were  laid  on  the  table 
until  the  next  meeting.  On  December  18,  the  chair- 
man of  the  finance  Committee,  Mr.  John  S.  Perry, 
'  Albany  Convention  Journal,  1877,  p.  68. 


394  Saint  Peter's  Church 

presented  his  "individual  report  in  respect  to  the  con- 
dition of  the  parish."  The  estimated  expenses 
from  January  to  June  not  including  a  note  at  the  bank, 
were  $7,637.25  and  the  estimated  income  was 
15,977.25  leaving  a  deficiency  of  $1,660.  The  amount 
necessary  to  put  the  finances  in  a  satisfactory  condition 
was 

For  notes  at  the   City   Bank $3,000  00 

Deficiencies  on  Parish  House.  .  .  .      2,374  00 
General  Expenses  as  above  stated.      1,660  00 


$7,034  oo^ 


After  a  due  consideration  of  the  subject  the  finance 
committee  was  authorized  to  issue  fourteen  bonds  of 
the  denomination  of  five  hundred  dollars  each,  with 
interest  at  seven  per  cent.,  payable  semi-annually.  One 
bond  was  to  be  redeemed  each  year,  the  parish  reserv- 
ing the  right  to  redeem  the  bonds  at  any  time  on  giving 
thirty  days  notice.  The  finances  of  the  parish  by  this 
method  it  was  thought  would  be  placed  upon  a  more 
substantial  basis.  Although  formally  adopted  there  was 
reluctance  to  fund  the  whole  debt,  for  on  February  2, 
1877,  the  resolution  was  rescinded,  eight  bonds  of  five 
hundred  dollars  each  were  authorized  and  the  rector 
requested  to  make  a  special  appeal  to  the  congregation 
to  contribute  in  the  offertory  on  Easter  day  an  amount 
sufficient  to  meet  the  note  for  one  thousand  dollars  held 
by  the  Albany  City   Bank. 

On  the  evening  of  St.  Andrew's  Day,  November  30, 
a  successful  choir  festival  was  held  in  the  church  and 
largely  attended.      "It  was    gratifying,"    says    Bishop 

'  MS.  Vestry  Minute  Book,  III,  p.  272. 


The  Present  Rectorship  395 

Doane,  "to  find  how  religious  music,  in  a  consecrated 
building,  controlled  from  any  approach  to  disorder,  the 
dense  gathering  of  people  there."  The  offertory,  by 
direction  of  the  vestry,  was  to  be  divided  between  the 
Home  of  the  Friendless  and  the  Babies'  Nursery.  The 
rector,  at  a  vestry  meeting  on  January  7,  1878,  stated 
that  he  had  so  far  departed  from  the  resolution  as  to 
divide  the  two  hundred  and  ten  dollars  received  at  the 
festival  equally  between  the  Babies'  Nursery,  the  Child's 
Hospital  and  the  Industrial  Schools  of  the  Children's 
Aid  Society,  which  was  ratified  and  approved. 

In  March,  1878,  Mr.  Grenville  Tremain,  a  lawyer 
of  the  greatest  brilliancy,  and  a  young  man  of  the  high- 
est promise,  suddenly  died.  At  a  meeting  of  the  ves- 
try held  on  March  15,  a  memorial  prepared  by  Mr. 
Pierson  was  adopted,  and  the  vestry  resolved  to  attend 
the  funeral  in  a  body  wearing  mourning  scarfs.  Mr. 
Tremain  was  the  youngest  member  of  the  vestry  and 
had  the  affectionate  regard  of  his  colleagues.  He  is 
called  in  the  memorial  "the  flower  of  the  vestry,  the 
fragrance  of  whose  good  deeds  will  hang  around  us 
while  we  live  and  whose  memory  is  in  all  our  hearts 
ever  to  remain." 

At  a  vestry  meeting  shortly  after  Easter,  it  was 
announced  by  the  finance  committee  that  the  expenses 
of  the  parish  had  been  decreased  by  the  amount  of  five 
hundred  dollars,  that  a  reduction  of  four  hundred  and 
twenty-three  dollars  of  the  deficit  had  been  made  and 
that  there  would  be  an  estimated  surplus  ot  income  over 
expenses  during  the  year  of  eight  hundred  and  twenty 
dollars.  Mr.  Pierson,  Mr.  Weaver  and  Mr.  Perry 
were  appointed  a  special  committee  "to  consider  and 
report  to  the  vestry  upon  the  question  of  music  for  the 


396  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Church."  On  May  24,  the  committee  presented  a 
report  which  was  adopted  and  referred  to  the  rector 
"with  power  to  make  such  arrangements  as  he  shall 
deem  wise." 

On  July  12,  Dr.  Battershall,  for  he  had  at  the  recent 
commencement  of  Union  College  been  honored  with 
the  degree  of  Doctor  in  Divinity,  presented  a  verbal 
report  of  his  action  regarding  the  music  which  was 
approved.  The  Rev.  Frank  Smith  who  had  taken  up 
the  able  and  effective  assistantship  of  the  Rev.  Cameron 
Mann  in  December,  1875,  felt  compelled  by  ill  health 
to  resign  his  position.  The  vestry  in  a  series  of 
resolutions  commending  his  work,  spoke  of  him  in  the 
highest  terms  and  presented  him  with  two  hundred 
dollars  in  addition  to  his  salary  and  order  the  con- 
tinuation of  "the  subscription  list  now  in  progress  for 
his  benefit." 

On  August  15,  the  vestry  met  in  special  session  to 
take  action  upon  the  death  of  Gen'l  John  Tayler 
Cooper,  junior  warden  of  the  parish.  He  combined  in 
his  person  the  new  and  the  old  of  St.  Peter's.  He  was 
a  grandson  of  Lieut.  Gov.  Tayler  and  his  ancestors  had 
been  trusted  officials  of  the  parish.  As  vestryman  and 
warden  he  had  faithfully  guarded  its  interests. 

A  memorial  of  General  Cooper  was  to  be  prepared  by 
the  rector,  and  the  vestry  resolved  to  attend  his  funeral 
in  a  body.  The  memorial  dwells  upon  General  Cooper's 
long  connection  with  the  parish,  his  large  public  and 
private  charities,  his  courtliness,  "caught  from  the 
school  of  an  elder  day"  his  "childlike  heart  and  simple 
trust  in  the  elemental  facts  of  Christianity,"  and  the 
affectionate  regard  with  which  "his  brethren  in  the 
vestry     of    St.     Peter's     recall     his     participation     in 


The  Present  Rectorship  397 

their  councils  and  treasure  the  memory  of  his  upright 
Hfe." 

During  the  prevalence  of  the  scourge  of  yellow  fever 
in  the  south,  the  parish  of  St.  Peter's  was  not  behind 
others  in  ministering  to  the  necessities  of  their  brethren. 
Dr.  Battershall  on  September  18,  1878,  preached  a 
sermon  on  "The  Moralities  of  Nature,  in  which  he  pleaded 
strongly  for  generous  aid  and  mentioned  the  heroism 
of  clergy,  nurses  and  physicians.  Six  hundred  and 
eight  dollars  and  eighty-five  cents  were  laid  upon  the 
altar  at  the  offertory. 

Upon  November  29,  1878,  another  musical  festival 
was  held  which  was  enthusiastically  reported  in  the  daily 
press.  The  choruses,  it  is  said,  were  well  balanced  and 
strong  in  all  their  parts.  The  "^n>"  and  ^''Dona 
nobis"  from  Mozart's  Twelfth  Mass  were  especially 
enjoyable.  Mr.  Marsh,  the  organist  and  director,  was 
highly  praised  for  his  skill  and  efficiency.  The  brief 
address  of  the  rector  in  announcing  the  offertory  put 
plainly  the  reason  and  meaning  of  such  a  festival : 

"This  choral  festival  will  altogether  miss  its  pur- 
pose if  it  furnish  merely  the  entertainment  of  the 
hour;  if  it  assume  any  other  character  than  that  of  a 
religious  service;  if  it  fail  to  incite  to  reverential 
thought  and  those  emotions  into  which  worship  strikes 
its  roots,  and  from  which  it  derives  those  attributes 
which  make  it  the  flower  and  consecration  of  all 
human  action." 

On  April  7,  1879,  the  rector  on  behalf  of  the  com- 
mittee having  in  charge  the  finances  of  the  Parish 
House  presented  a  full  report  of  receipts  and  disburse- 
ments. The  amount  received  from  subscriptions  was 
^21,224.40,    and   from   a   note   discounted    $4,000.00. 


398  Saint  Peter's  Church 

There  were  unpaid  subscriptions  aggregating  $1,575.00, 
of  which  it  was  thought  five  hundred  dollars  was  collect- 
ible. The  disbursements  had  been  $25,056.27.  It 
was  determined  "that  the  rector  be  requested  to  prepare 
a  circular  in  behalf  of  the  collections  to  be  made  on 
Easter  Day  for  the  payment  of  the  debt  now  existing 
against  the  Parish  House."  Two  thousand  dollars 
were  offered  on  Easter  day  for  that  purpose. 

On  Tuesday,  May  20,  1879,  Mr.  James  Kidd,  for 
many  years  a  vestryman  and  prominent  in  the  affairs  of 
the  parish,  died.  At  a  special  vestry  meeting  held  on 
that  day,  the  rector  announced  his  death,  alluding  in 
feeling  terms  to  his  "attractive  and  valuable  qualities." 
Dr.  Battershall  was  requested  to  prepare  a  suitable  min- 
ute and  the  vestry  resolved  to  attend  the  funeral  in  a 
body,  "wearing  the  usual  badge  of  mourning."  The 
minute  speaks  of  Mr.  Kidd  as  "one  of  the  most  influ- 
ential citizens  of  this  community,"  as  a  man  with  "a 
high  sense  of  mercantile  honor  and  unimpeachable 
integrity."  Of  his  relations  to  the  parish,  it  declares 
that  he  was  for  many  years  a  vestryman  and  had  an 
unwearied  interest  in  its  welfare. 

On  September  28,  1879,  I^''-  Battershall  preached  an 
anniversary  sermon  giving  an  account  of  his  five  years 
in  St.  Peter's.  His  text  was  "O  pray  for  the  peace  of 
Jerusalem  they  shall  prosper  that  love  Thee."  Psalm 
cxxii,  6.  After  sketching  briefly  some  salient  points 
of  parochial  history  from  the  time  when  Thomas  Bar- 
clay was  the  garrison  chaplain,  he  dwelt  upon  the  close 
tie  of  affection  that  grew  in  the  course  of  years  between 
pastor  and  people,  the  many  gratifying  events  of  the 
busy  years  since  1874,  and  the  notable  increase  of 
church  property,  the  erection  of  the  Parish   House  and 


The  Present  Rectorship  399 

memorial  tower.  He  alluded  in  these  words  to  the 
many  changes  in  the  congregation: 

"There  is  one  feature  in  the  record  of  the  last  five 
years  of  our  parochial  history,  which,  almost  unrecog- 
nized by  myself,  has  lain  in  the  background  of  these 
thoughts.  A  few  Sundays  ago,  in  referring  to  the  death 
of  one  whose  name  seems  but  yesterday  to  have  passed 
our  lips  in  pleasant  greeting,  I  said  that  this  House  of 
Prayer  had  become  a  House  of  Memories.  Never  per- 
haps in  the  annals  of  the  parish  have  five  years  removed 
from  this  congregation  so  many  men  who  have  been 
related  to  the  parish,  and  at  the  same  time  were  conspicu- 
ous in  the  history  of  our  city,  and  occupied  exalted 
positions  in  the  respect  and  regard  of  the  community. 
The  names  of  John  Tweddle,  Cornelius  Schuyler,  Agur 
Wells,  JohnH.  Mulford,  William  P.  Irwin,  John  V. 
L.  Pruyn,  Grenville  Tremain,  John  Tayler  Cooper, 
James  Kidd,  without  doubt  throng  upon  your  memory 
as  I  speak;  but  there  are  others,  who  may  not  have 
occupied  official  positions  in  the  parish,  whose  cultured 
Christian  character  and  lives  of  daily  duty,  remem- 
bered by  those  who  in  the  prayer  of  the  Eucharis- 
tic  feast  with  faltering  lips  thank  God  'for  their  good 
examples,'  have  left  a  heritage  of  honorable  memory 
to  the  parish  in  which  their  Christian  life  was  nurtured." 

He  gave  this  account  of  the  offerings  and  gifts  of  the 
people:  "I  put  a  low  estimate  on  those  statistics  which 
enter  into  the  registry  of  spiritual  work.  The  most 
fruitful  and  enduring  results  of  the  labor  of  either  rec- 
tor or  parish,  elude  the  measurement  which  is  expressed 
in  figures.  But  such  as  they  are  I  will  give  them  to 
you,  and  there  is  perhaps  the  greater  need  that  I  should 
improve  an  occasion   like  this,  from   the   fact  that  you 


400  Saint  Peter's  Church 

have  no  other  opportunity  to  become  acquainted  with 
the  statistics  of  our  parish  work.  During  the  last  five 
years  there  have  been  145  baptisms  and  140  have  been 
presented  to  the  Bishop  for  confirmation.  I  have  sol- 
emnized 25  marriages  and  109  burials.  The  last  annual 
report  to  the  Diocesan  Convention  gave  434  communi- 
cants, 38  Sunday  School  officers  and  teachers,  and  282 
Sunday  School  pupils. 

"You  have  contributed  during  the  last  five  years  for 
parochial  purposes,  including  the  income  from  the  pews 
and  gifts  for  the  building  of  the  Parish  House,  and  the 
memorial  tower  and  chimes,  $143,874.15;  for  dioce- 
san purposes  (including  13,567.21  for  diocesan  mis- 
sions), 15,927.33;  for  general  objects,  including 
foreign  and  domestic  missions,  14,983.17;  making  a 
total  of  1154,684.66." 

The  sermon  closed  with  these  words:  "A  venerable 
history  has  been  granted  to  this  parish.  Illustrious  names 
are  found  upon  its  records.  Holy  men  have  stood  in 
this  place,  upon  whose  foundations  what  little  1  can  rear 
will  seem  a  meagre  and  an  unworthy  structure;  but  it 
is  idle  to  say  that  the  parish  has  discharged,  in  the  sight 
of  God,  the  full  measure  of  its  duty  to  this  community. 

I  love  this  church.  Its  very  stones,  with  their  sculp- 
tured beauty,  have  become  dear  to  me.  Year  by  year 
I  have  been  drawn  to  you  more  closely  by  the  ties 
which  are  woven  in  brotherly  intercourse,  and  in  the 
performance  of  my  sacred  offices;  but  I  can  do  little, 
except  you  make  me  strong  with  your  prayers  and  your 
sympathies,  and  stand  beside  me  in  my  work.  Upon 
you,  as  well  as  upon  me,  depend  the  prosperity  of  this 
parish,  and  the  discharge  of  the  trusts  which  God  has 
committed  to  me." 


The  Present  Rectorship  401 

It  was  a  matter  of  deep  interest  to  the  members  of 
St.  Peter's  when  their  former  rector,  Bishop  Potter, 
approached  the  twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  his  consecra- 
tion and  the  diocese  of  New  York  determined  to  elabo- 
rately celebrate  the  event.  Opportunity  was  given  the 
diocese  of  Albany  and  the  parish  of  St.  Peter's  to  present 
congratulatory  addresses.  On  October  20,  1879,  on 
motion  of  the  Hon.  Henry  R.  Pierson,  this  resolution 
was  unanimously  passed:  "That  this  vestry  con- 
gratulate Bishop  Potter  on  the  attainment  of  the 
Twenty-Fifth  anniversary  of  his  Episcopate,  and  the 
Rector  of  this  parish  be  requested  to  prepare  a  congratu- 
latory paper  to  be  engrossed  on  parchment  and  signed 
by  the  Rector,  Wardens  and  Vestrymen  and  be  presented 
by  the  Rector." 

On  October  21,  1879,  the  churchmen  of  Albany 
extended  a  welcome  to  the  sixth  American  Church 
Congress.  The  opening  service  was  in  St.  Peter's 
Church,  when  the  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Williams  of  the  diocese 
of  Connecticut  was  the  preacher  and  the  bishop  of  the 
diocese  was  the  celebrant  of  the  Holy  Communion. 
It  was  a  gathering  of  able  and  representative  clergymen 
and  laymen.  Of  its  sessions,  at  which  he  presided. 
Bishop  Doane  says:  "The  handling  of  many  of  the 
subjects,  especially  of  those  outside  the  domain  of 
theology  was,  I  think,  masterly,  and  the  impression 
of  intellectual  power  in  the  Church  and  often  in  the 
younger  clergy  was  very  positive.  I  am  very  glad  the 
Congress  came  to  Albany."^ 

At  the  service  commemorative  of  Bishop  Potter's 
consecration  held  in  Trinity  Church,  New  York  City, 
on  Saturday,  November  22,  1 879,  the  Bishop  of  Albany, 

'Albany  Convention  Journal,  1880,  p.  44. 
36 


402  Saint  Peter's  Church 

several  of  its  clergy  and  representative  laymen,  includ- 
ing some  from  St.  Peter's  parish,  were  present.  At  the 
congratulatory  gathering  held  in  the  Academy  of  Music 
on  Tuesday,  November  25,  an  elaborate  silver  casket 
was  presented  to  Bishop  Potter,  and  the  Hon.  William 
M.  Evarts,  then  Secretary  of  State  of  the  United  States, 
made  the  chief  address.  In  the  absence  of  the  rector, 
who  was  detained  in  Albany  by  an  imperative  engage- 
ment, the  Hon.  Henry  R.  Pierson,  vice  chancellor  of 
the  University  of  the  State  of  New  York,  presented  and 
read  this  congratulatory  letter  from  St.  Peter's  Church: 

"To    the   Rt.    Rev.    Horatio   Potter,    D.    D.,    LL.  D., 
D.  C.  L.,  Bishop  of  New  York  : 

Reverend  Father  in  God:  In  accordance  with  a  reso- 
lution unanimously  adopted  at  a  meeting  of  the  Vestry 
of  St.  Peter's  Church,  held  October  20th,  A.  D.  1879, 
we,  the  Rector,  Wardens  and  Vestrymen  of  St.  Peter's 
Church,  in  the  City  of  Albany,  hereby  tender  you  our 
cordial  congratulations  on  the  occasion  of  the  twenty- 
fifth  anniversary  of  your  consecration  to  the  office  of 
Bishop  in  the  Church  of  God. 

"As  representatives  of  the  parish,  of  which  for 
twenty-one  years  you  were  the  beloved  and  faithful 
rector,  and  from  which  you  were  called  to  the  Episcopal 
care  of  the  diocese  of  New  York,  we  beg  leave  to  present 
this  tribute  of  our  affection  and  respect  for  you,  whose 
rectorship  is  an  honored  memory  in  this  venerable  parish, 
at  whose  altar  you  served,  and  who,  in  the  providence  of 
God,  has  been  permitted  to  fill  a  quarter  of  a  century 
with   the  records  of  a   wise   and   beneficent    Episcopate. 

"Rejoicing  that  the  Divine  Head  of  the  Church  has 
so  signally  added  'length  of  days'   to  the  other   tokens 


The  Present  Rectorship  403 

of  His  grace  and  favor,  and  praying  that  yet  for  many 
years  He  may  grant  the  fruits  of  your  Godly  labor  and 
learning  to  His  Church  in  this  land,  we  remain,  affec- 
tionately and  faithfully,  your  servants  in  Christ, 

(Signed)  Walton  W.  Battershall,  Rector. 

Harmon    Pumpelly, 


^  ^  ,  Wardens. 

George  Dexter, 

John  S.  Perry, 

Henry  R.  Pierson, 

George  S.  Weaver, 

\_Seal  of  ChurcK\.      J.  W.  Tillinghast,     )  Vestrymen. 

A.  C.  Judson, 

Henry  T.  Martin, 

Luther  H.  Tucker, 

Rectory  of  St.  Peter's  Church. 

Albany,  N.  T.,  Nov.  loth,  A.  D.  18 jg.'' 

In  his  response  Bishop  Potter  made  this  reference  to 
the  letter:  "And  what  shall  I  say  to  my  dear  old  par- 
ish, after  twenty-one  years  of  labor  among  loving  peo- 
ple ?  Just  before  I  went  there  some  person  said  there 
were  troublesome  elements  in  that  parish,  and  I  might 
find  some  discomfort.  I  never  met  with  anything  of 
the  sort;  I  met  with  nothing  but  love,  boundless  love 
and  patience. "      (Applause.) 

The  music  of  the  parish  was  at  this  time  receiving 
special  attention.  Mr.  John  B.  Marsh,  the  organist, 
and  Mr.  Walter  V.  Marsh,  the  chimer,  had  resigned  in 
January,  1879.  The  music  committee  had  temporarily 
engaged  Mr.  Philip  Hale  as  organist,  Mr.  Edward 
Fassett  as  chimer  and  completely  reorganized  the  choir. 
The  action  of  the  committee  had  been  sanctioned  by 
the  vestry  and  met  with  the-approbation  of   the  congre- 


404  Saint  Peter's  Church 

gatlon.      In  January,  1880,  the   organist   and   members 
of  the  choir  were  reappointed. 

The  organ  which  had  been  placed  in  the  church  at 
its  erection  and  had  for  many  years  been  satisfactory 
had  lost  its  sweetness  and  volume  of  tone.  It  had 
never  been  completed  in  all  its  parts  and  while  tem- 
porary repairs  had  been  made,  it  was  evident  that  the 
time  had  come  to  rebuild  it.  In  April,  1880,  the  mat- 
ter was  referred  to  the  music  committee,  whose  final 
report  on  June  7,  was  approved,  and  it  was  resolved  "to 
raise  six  thousand  dollars  by  subscription  to  pay  for 
rebuilding  the  organ  and  to  pay  the  debt  remaining  on 
the  Church  and  Parish  House."  A  form  of  subscrip- 
tion was  adopted  by  the  vestry  and  immediately 
circulated  among  those  present  at  the  meeting.  Dr. 
Battershall  was  requested  to  have  the  substance  of  the 
remarks  made  by  him  on  the  preceding  Sunday  in 
respect  to  the  proposed  subscription,  printed  in  circular 
form  and  sent  by  mail  to  each  pew  holder.  Members 
of  the  vestry  were  designated  to  canvass  thoroughly  the 
parish.  In  the  printed  circular  the  rector  detailed  the 
present  "maimed  and  shattered  condition"  of  the  organ, 
the  comparatively  large  amount  of  money  that  had  been 
spent  upon  it  without  adequate  result  and  the  conviction 
that  had  been  forced  upon  the  vestry  and  himself  that 
it  must  be  rebuilt.  "The  vestry  are  unanimous  in  the 
conclusion  that  the  time  has  come  when  the  interests  of 
the  Church,  and  the  dignity  of  the  services,  demand 
that  we  should  make  this  expenditure  upon  the  organ. 
We  are  prepared  to  contribute  largely  and  now  we  ask 
the  other  members  of  the  congregation  to  consider  their 
obligations  in  this  matter."  The  circular  was  signed 
by  the  rector,  wardens  and   vestrymen.      As   the  result 


The    Present    Rectorship  405 

of  the  canvass  four  thousand  and  one  hundred  dollars 
were  subscribed.  A  contract  with  Hook  and  Hastings 
was  made.  They  did  their  work  thoroughly  and  pro- 
vided an  organ  of  unusual  richness  and  power. 

As  in  the  course  of  years  the  church  was  being 
adorned  with  memorial  windows  of  richly  painted  glass, 
harmonious  in  tone  and  coloring,  the  crudity  of  color 
and  grotesque  drawing  of  the  chancel  windows  became 
more  apparent.  The  desirability  of  new  glass  in  the 
chancel  had  been  frequently  discussed  but  no  formal 
action  was  taken  until  on  September  17,  1881,  the  rec- 
tor was  requested  "to  ascertain  the  cost  of  memorial 
windows  for  the  chancel  of  the  Church."  At  the  same 
meeting  a  letter  from  Mr.  Orlando  Meads  to  the  rector 
was  presented.  It  inclosed  a  cheque  for  four  hundred 
dollars,  a  legacy  to  the  parish  from  Mrs.  Elizabeth 
Sheerer,  who  for  thirty-five  years  had  been  the  trusted 
housekeeper  in  the  family  of  Mr.  Meads,  and  a  mem- 
ber of  the  parish.  Her  intention  was  that  this  amount 
be  used  for  St.  Peter's  Orphanage.  Mr.  Meads  con- 
sidered that  at  the  time  of  her  death  the  Orphanage  was 
"not  sufficiently  secured  as  a  permanent  Church  work 
under  their  control  to  make  it  in  my  judgment  advisa- 
ble to  make  the  legacy  directly  to  the  institution,  and  it 
was  therefore  left  so  that  the  authorities  of  the  Parish 
might  control  the  application."  Since  that  time  "the 
changes  in  the  name  and  management  of  the  Orphanage 
would  seem  to  be  such  as  to  make  it  reasonably  certain 
that  it  will  be  permanently  a  Church  work  con- 
nected with  St.  Peter's  parish."  The  vestry  accepted 
the  legacy  with  the  direction  that  it  be  paid  over 
to  Mr.  Townsend  Fondey,  the  treasurer  of  the 
Orphanage. 


4o6  Saint  Peter's  Church 

On  November  21,  1881,  the  Rev.  Pascal  P.  Har- 
rower,  who  had  been  officiating  as  the  rector's  assistant, 
was  formally  appointed  as  assistant  at  a  salary  of  one 
thousand  dollars  a  year. 

In  January,  1882,  Mr.  Gerritt  Smith  of  Buffalo,  was 
appointed  as  organist  from  Easter.  Mr.  Hale  the 
former  organist  was  given  by  the  vestry  a  testimonial 
expressive  of  "their  very  high  appreciation  of  the  skill 
and  fidelity  with  which  he  has  discharged  the  duties  of 
his  position  in  training  the  choir  and  conducting."  On 
September  29,  1882,  the  rector  convened  the  vestry  to 
announce  the  loss  which  had  fallen  upon  the  parish  in 
the  death  of  Mr.  Harmon  Pumpelly,  the  senior  warden. 
The  rector,  Mr.  George  Dexter,  and  the  Hon.  Henry 
R.  Pierson  were  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  a 
suitable  memorial  minute.  The  vestry  resolved  to 
attend  the  funeral  in  a  body.  In  the  course  of  a  sermon 
preached  in  St.  Peter's  on  Sunday,  October  2,  Dr. 
Battershall  said: 

"Thus  do  I  think  of  him  who  for  many  years  has 
gone  up  and  down  those  steps,  of  late  'with  staff  in 
hand  for  very  age,'  feeling  his  way  tremulously  to  the 
altar  of  his  Lord.  He  was  my  friend,  the  friend  of 
this  parish,  honored  with  its  highest  laic  office  of  dignity 
and  trust.  The  history  of  his  life  is  a  record  from 
which  a  young  man  may  learn  the  conditions  of  honor- 
able career  and  worthy  success.  Like  most  of  those 
who  stand  in  positions  of  power  and  influence  in  the 
communities  of  this  land,  he  made  himself  and  his 
fortune.  *  *  *  *  Loyalty,  that  is  the 

word  by  which  I  will  describe  him,  he  was  loyal  to  his 
family,  he  was  loyal  to  his  friends,  he  was  loyal  to  his 
parish,  he  was  loyal  to  his  pastor.     You  could  trust  him 


The  Present  Rectorship  407 

for  he  never  betrayed  your  trust.  How  he  loved  this 
church,  what  concern  he  had  to  foster  the  things  that 
made  for  its  peace  and  prosperity,  how  anxiously  he 
sought  to  avoid  everything  that  might  cause  uneasiness 
and  bitterness  and  division,  how  constant  he  was 
with  all  his  weight  of  years  at  the  services  of  God's 
house." 

In  October,  1882,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Harrower,  the 
assistant  minister,  resigned.  He  was  warmly  com- 
mended for  his  "ability,  fidelity  and  devotion." 

The  needs  of  the  Orphanage  were  carefully  met  by 
an  efficient  board  of  lady  managers.  It  needed  for  its 
proper  development  its  own  building,  and  for  this  rea- 
son the  vestry  resolved  on  January  5,  1883,  "that  the 
next  Easter  offertory  be  appropriated  to  erecting  a  house 
for  St.  Peter's  Orphanage." 

On  June  23,  1883,  the  vestry  was  summoned  to  pay 
due  respect  to  Mr.  George  Dexter,  the  senior  warden, 
who,  full  of  years  and  amid  the  love  of  a  large  circle  of 
friends,  had  "fallen  on  sleep."  He  had  with  unselfish 
devotion  served  the  parish  in  many  capacities.  He 
was  a  son  of  Dr.  Samuel  Dexter,  who  had  been  an 
earnest  and  active  member  of  the  parish.  Mr.  Dexter 
was  probably  the  last  survivor  of  those  baptised  in  the 
first  St.  Peter's  by  "Dominie"  Ellison.  The  vestry 
attended  the  funeral  in  a  body  and  a  discriminating 
memorial  was  prepared  by  the  rector  for  publication  and 
record.  In  it  the  "grievous  loss"  sustained  by  the 
Church  and  community  is  mentioned;  his  "great beauty 
of  character"  and  "kind  and  genial  nature"  are  recog- 
nized. His  life  of  eighty-three  years  was  to  a  singu- 
lar degree  identified  with  the  history  of  the  parish  and 
devoted  to  its  interests." 


4o8  Saint  Peter's  Church 

In  the  latter  part  of  1883,  George  Graham,  who  for 
nearly  thirty  years  had  been  the  sexton  of  St.  Peter's, 
died.  He  had  gained  the  respect  of  the  people  of  the 
parish.  On  June  18,  1884,  Mr.  William  Bridgford, 
the  present  efficient  sexton,  was  formally  appointed  to 
that  office. 

The  subject  of  the  decoration  and  renovation  of  the 
Chancel  had  been  frequently  discussed  in  private,  and 
several  members  of  the  parish  were  desirous  of  placing 
within  its  sacred  precincts  their  memorials  of  departed 
friends.  The  rector  and  vestry  were  unwilling  that  any 
memorial  should  be  placed  there  until  the  adoption  of  a 
comprehensive  and  satisfactory  plan  for  its  general 
treatment. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  on  Easter  Monday,  April 
14,  1884,  the  long  deliberation  passed  into  action. 
The  offer  of  Mrs.  John  Taylor  to  make  the  middle 
chancel  window  a  memorial  of  her  husband,  long  a  war- 
den of  the  parish,  led  to  the  suggestion  that  the  new 
window  should  not  be  put  in  place  until  the  windows 
on  either  side  of  it  had  also  been  taken  as  memorials, 
"in  order  that  all  of  them  might  be  harmonious  in 
design."  The  discussion  of  the  subject  resulted  in  the 
appointment  of  the  rector,  Hon.  Henry  R.  Pierson, 
Mr.  George  S.  Weaver  and  Mr.  F.  E.  Griswold,  as  a 
chancel  committee,  whose  duty  it  should  be  "to  pro- 
cure as  early  as  possible  decorative  designs  for  all  the 
chancel  windows."  The  rector  made  the  announcement 
that  several  members  of  the  parish  were  ready  to  place 
memorials  within  the  chancel  whenever  designs  for  the 
necessary  structural  changes  should  be  adopted.  The 
subjects  of  the  windows  were  determined  at  this  meeting 
to  be  "the  fundamental  points  of  the  Apostles  Creed." 


The    Present   Rectorship  409 

At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  in  June,  Dr.  Battershall  said 
that  the  three  middle  windows  were  desired  as  memo- 
rials. He  also  said,  that,  after  consultation  with  those 
skilled  in  the  art  of  glass  painting,  he  had  concluded 
that  Scenes  from  the  life  of  St.  Peter  would  probably 
form  a  more  practicable  and  distinctive  series  of  designs 
for  the  new  chancel  windows  than  that  first  proposed, 
and  that,  with  the  consent  of  the  vestry,  this  change  in 
the  design  would  be  made.  At  the  same  meeting  the 
Rev.  Stewart  Stone,  who  had  served  acceptably  as 
assistant  for  a  year,  resigned.  A  minute  expressive 
of  the  high  regard  of  the  vestry  for  Mr.  Stone  was 
adopted. 

During  the  early  fall,  the  question  of  the  removal  of 
the  organ  from  the  gallery  was  seriously  debated  by  the 
rector  and  members  of  the  vestry,  and  was  formally 
presented  for  the  consideration  of  the  vestry  on  October 
22,  1884.  It  was,  after  some  explanation  and  discus- 
sion, referred  to  the  chancel  committee  for  future  report. 
On  January  5,  1885,  the  desire  ot  Mr.  Charles  L. 
Pruyn  to  erect  in  memory  of  his  wife,  Elizabeth 
McClintock  Pruyn,  a  reredos  of  stone,  was  announced 
by  the  rector.  Permission  was  granted  with  thanks  and 
the  condition  that  the  plans  should  be  approved  by  the 
rector.  Mr.  Pierson  having  resigned  his  position  as 
vestryman,  the  vacancy  upon  the  chancel  committee  was 
filled  by  the  appointment  of  Mr.  Joseph  W.  Tilling- 
hast.  On  March  2,  1885,  Mr.  Charles  L.  Pruyn, 
through  the  rector,  expressed  his  desire  to  erect  a  stone 
altar  in  connection  with  the  reredos  already  promised, 
to  which  a  cordial  permission  was  granted.  At  this 
meeting  it  was  also  resolved  that  the  walls  of  the  chan- 
cel should  be  decorated  and  those  of  the  church  colored. 


4IO  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The  rector,  the  senior  warden,  and  the  chairman  of  the 
chancel  committee,  were  appointed  a  committee  "to 
prepare  and  send  to  the  members  of  the  Congregation 
a  letter  soliciting  their  offerings  on  Easter  Day  for  the 
purpose  contemplated." 

The  Easter  offering  was  five  thousand  four  hundred 
and  fifty-nine  dollars  and  five  cents  ($5,459.05)  in 
money  and  pledges.  This  amount  with  the  offerings 
and  a  pledge  of  the  previous  year  made  a  fund  of  six 
thousand  two  hundred  and  nine  dollars  and  six  cents 
(16,209.06)  available  for  the  decoration. 

At  a  vestry  meeting  April  8th,  1885,  the  chancel 
committee  was  thus  reorganized:  Mr.  F.  E.  Griswold, 
Mr.  George  S.  Weaver,  Mr.  J.  W.  Tillinghast,  Mr. 
Robert  C.  Pruyn.  The  rector,  by  a  unanimous  vote  of 
the  vestry,  was  appointed  chairman.  In  May,  the 
chancel  committee  was  authorized  "to  procure  as  soon 
as  possible  and  submit  to  the  Vestry,  plans  and  estimates 
for  removing  or  exchanging  the  present  organ  and  for 
making  such  changes  in  the  Church  edifice  including 
organ  chamber  and  choir   room   as   may   be  necessary." 

On  June  6,  the  chancel  committee  reported  that  Mr. 
Upjohn  would  submit  by  June  10,  plans  and  specifica- 
tions for  opening  arches  for  the  chancel  organ  chamber. 
A  further  report  from  the  committee  was  made  by  the 
rector  on  the  decoration  of  the  chancel.  Eminent 
artists  of  New  York  city  had  been  consulted  and  also 
Messrs.  Clayton  and  Bell  of  London. 

The  committee  was  authorized  to  proceed  at  once  to 
procure  from  reliable  firms  of  painters,  proposals 
for  the  erection  of  the  necessary  scaffolding  for  the 
nave  and  chancel,  the  cleaning  of  the  wood  work 
under  the  roof,  "the  cleaning  and  pointing  of  the  walls 


The  Present  Rectorship  411 

in  a  proper  manner  to  receive  the  paint,  the  application 
to  the  wood  work  and  walls  of  two  or  more  good  coats 
of  the  best  quality  of  paint  of  such  color  and  shades  as 
the  said  committee  may  select."  It  was  also  declared 
as  the  sense  of  the  meeting  that  hereafter  no  memorial 
tablet  should  be  erected  in  the  church  without  the 
express  permission  of  the  rector  and  a  majority  of 
the  vestry.  Mr.  John  S.  Perry  and  Mr.  John 
McDonald  were  appointed  a  committee  to  procure  a 
suitable  place  of  worship  while  the  church  was  closed. 
On  June  20,  this  committee  reported  in  favor  of  the 
Parish  House,  and  recommended  that  the  walls  of  that 
building  should  be  painted.  The  chancel  committee 
reported  that  a  contract  had  been  made  with  Mr.  James 
Blocksidge  to  erect  the  scaffolding  and  do  the  other 
work  contemplated  in  the  resolutions  of  a  previous 
meeting  "for  the  sum  of  $1,789."  Mr.  R.  W.  Gibson 
had  been  engaged  as  consulting  and  supervising  architect. 

It  was  determined  that  the  church  should  be  closed 
after  the  service  on  St.  Peter's  Day,  June  29.  Other 
designs  for  the  chancel  windows  were  to  be  obtained 
from  Clayton  and  Bell  before  finally  placing  the  order 
with  them.  On  July  i,  the  chancel  committee  were 
authorized  to  have  the  church  and  chancel  decorated 
"according  to  its  judgment  and  taste  at  a  cost  not 
exceeding  four  thousand  dollars." 

Miss  Porter's  first  intention  of  presenting  a  chancel 
organ  in  memory  of  her  father,  Mr.  Giles  W.  Porter, 
was  changed  to  the  building  of  a  memorial  organ  cham- 
ber at  the  west  side  of  the  chancel.  The  vestry  in 
granting  permission  expressed  its  high  regard  for  the 
memory  of  Mr.  Porter  and  appreciation  of  Miss  Por- 
ter's bounty.      Mr.  James  Shattuck   was  the  contractor 


412  Saint  Peter's  Church 

for  the  organ  chamber  and  other  new  stone  work  in  the 
chancel. 

It  was  a  busy  summer  at  St.  Peter's.  The  arches  for 
the  organ  chamber  were  being  constructed  and  the  nave 
of  the  church  painted  and  decorated.  As  the  work, 
proceeded  the  real  beauty  of  the  interior  of  the  edifice 
was  more  fully  seen.  In  September,  when  the  vestry 
came  together  after  the  summer  vacation,  a  necessary 
addition  to  the  church  was  proposed  by  the  senior  war- 
den, Mr.  Perry,  and  authorized  by  the  vestry.  The 
chancel  committee,  on  the  guarantee  of  the  wardens  that 
twenty-five  hundred  dollars  should  be  secured  as  a 
memorial  gift  to  defray  the  necessary  expense,  was 
directed  to  enter  into  a  contract  for  the  construction  of 
a  choir  room  at  the  west  of  the  church,  "cutting  an 
opening  for  a  door  through  the  wall  of  the  nave  between 
the  south  arch  of  the  organ  chamber  and  the  Banyer 
window."  A  contract  for  this  work  was  made  with 
Mr.  James  Shattuck.  Mr.  Upjohn  was  the  architect 
of  the  choir  room  and  its  doorway. 

Mr.  Weaver,  Mr.  Tillinghast  and  Mr.  Pruyn  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  solicit  the  gift  of  a  new 
organ,  or  the  cost  of  rebuilding  the  present  organ.  The 
committee  was  ordered  to  take  into  consideration,  with 
the  advice  and  assistance  of  the  rector,  "the  engaging  of 
an  organist  competent  to  train  a  choir  of  men  and  boys  in 
the  musical  services  of  our  Church,  and  that  the  material 
for  such  a  choir  be  secured  and  put  in  training  as  early 
as  practicable." 

On  St.  Luke's  Day,  October  i8,  1885,  the  nave  of 
the  church  was  opened  for  service.  The  combination 
of  richness  and  simplicity  in  the  decoration  was  cordially 
approved  by  all  the  worshippers.      The  rector  preached 


The   Present  Rectorship  413 

an  impressive  sermon  from  the  text:  "Lord,  I  have 
loved  the  habitation  of  Thy  house  and  the  place  where 
Thine  honor  dwelleth."  Psalm  xvi,  8.  After  a 
brief  exposition  of  the  text,  he  applied  it  to  the  enrich- 
ment of  the  church  building.  "In  the  alterations  and 
decorations,"  he  said  "the  aim  has  been  to  preserve  and 
accentuate  the  Gothic  character  of  the  edifice."  He 
announced  the  decision  of  the  vestry  to  introduce  a 
chancel  choir  and  concluded  in  these  words:  "Since 
this  house  of  God  was  built,  the  third  church  structure 
in  St.  Peter's  parish,  it  has  received,  through  the  years, 
costly  tokens  of  the  affections  and  memories  that  have 
grown  about  it.  You  have  wrought  into  its  walls 
memorials  of  spiritual  histories  that  have  been  nourished 
at  its  altar.  *  *  *  Within  the  last  ten  years  you 
have  expended  upon  the  church  considerably  more  than 
its  original  cost.  *  ''^  '•'  But  is  the  desire  to  serve 
God  with  the  best  that  we  have,  is  concern  for  the 
honor  of  His  worship,  is  the  love  which  pours  out 
beauty  and  splendor  on  His  temple  a  trait  of  impure 
and  defiled  religion  ?  Whatever  be  the  origin  of  this 
notion,  it  came  not  from  between  the  lids  of  God's 
word.  It  is  the  outgrowth  of  that  low  measurement  of 
what  the  soul  is  and  what  salvation  means,  the  meagre 
reduction  of  religion  to  an  immortal  selfishness,  that 
ungodly  divorce  between  Christianity  and  human  life, 
which  have  degraded  and  impoverished  the  religious 
thought  of  the  day.  It  is  a  matter  of  history  that  that 
type  of  Christianity  that  has  had  regard  for  the  method 
and  majesty  of  God's  worship,  has  been  the  type  that 
has  not  only  made  the  most  of  the  Ten  Commandments, 
but  has  shown  the  largest  sympathy  for  Christ's  poor 
and  has  been   the   most   fruitful  in  lives  consecrated  to 


414  Saint  Peter's  Church 

good  works.  *  *  *  There  is  only  one  Name, 
there  is  only  one  business  for  you  who  are  gathered 
before  this  altar  this  morning.  Christ,  the  bringing  of 
His  love  and  rescue  of  men.  This  is  all  that  this 
church  means.  Meaning  this,  it  means  the  mystery, 
the  beauty,  the  worth  of  life.  Shall  it  carry  out  its 
meaning?  Will  you  help  and  do  your  utmost  so  that 
it  may  carry  out  its  meaning?" 

Mr.  Robert  C.  Pruyn,  from  the  organ  committee, 
reported  on  October  30,  1885,  that  after  much  corre- 
spondence and  personal  communication  with  Mr.  Roose- 
velt, a  chancel  organ  of  his  manufacture  at  a  cost  of 
seven  thousand  dollars  was  recommended;  Mr.  Roose- 
velt agreeing  to  take  the  old  organ  at  a  valuation  of 
three  thousand  five  hundred  dollars.  The  action  of  the 
committee  was  approved  and  the  organ  ordered  to  be 
set  up  in  the  new  organ  chamber  early  in  the  following 
spring. 

On  Christmas  Day,  1885,  the  reconstructed  and 
embellished  chancel  was  first  seen  by  the  members  of 
the  parish.  The  noble  altar  and  reredos  with  the  adorn- 
ing angels,  the  storied  windows,  the  harmonized  colors 
that  glowed  on  the  walls,  the  chancel  rail  of  polished 
brass,  the  credence,  the  mosaic  pavement  with  its  sacred 
symbols,  and  the  broad  stone  steps  leading  from  the 
nave  to  the  choir  formed  a  fitting  crown  to  the  long 
drawn  aisle  and  lofty  roof  of  the  nave.  Contemporary 
accounts  described  minutely  the  work  and  mentioned 
with  enthusiasm  the  manner  in  which  every  detail  had 
been  carried  out.  "It  is  in  the  chancel,"  says  one 
observer,  "that  the  skill  of  the  architect  and  decorator 
has  been  combined  in  one  grand  effort,  and  both  have 
been   particularly  successful.      As  in   the  body   of    the 


The  Present  Rectorship  415 

Church,  the  stately  architecture  is  brought  forward 
rather  that)  belittled  by  the  decorations.  It  is  an  almost 
impossible  task  to  try  and  describe  the  work  and  scheme 
of  decoration  in  the  Chancel,  and  detail  could  not  be 
given,  so  elaborate  and  at  the  same  time  harmonious  are 
the  designs  and  coloring." 

At  a  vestry  meeting  held  on  April  12,  1886,  special 
votes  of  thanks  were  ordered  by  the  vestry  to  be  sent 
by  the  clerk: 

"To  Miss  Tibbitts  for  her  gift  of  the  stone  pulpit; 
To  Mr.  Charles  L.  Pruyn  for  his  gift  of  the  stone 
altar  and  reredos  erected  as  a  memorial  to  his  wife, 
Elizabeth  McClintock  Pruyn. 

"To  Mrs.  Pumpelly  for  her  gift  of  the  choir  room 
as  a  memorial  to  her  husband,  Harmon  Pumpelly; 

"To  Mrs.  Teunis  Van  Vechten,  for  her  gift  of  the 
stone  credence  table,  as  a  memorial  to  her  daughter, 
Mrs.  Catharine  Elizabeth  Van  Vechten  Ten  Eyck; 

"To  the  Misses  Meads,  for  their  gift  of  the  mosaic 
flooring  in  the  sanctuary  of  the  chancel,  as  a  memorial 
to  their  brother,  Orlando  Meads; 

"To  Mr.  John  S.  Perry  for  his  gift  of  the  brass 
chancel  rail,  as  a  memorial  to  his  wife,  Mary  J.  Perry 
and  her  deceased  children;  and  to  Mr.  Robert  C.  Pruyn 
for  his  gift  of  the  mosaic  flooring  which  is  in  the  chan- 
cel outside  of  the  sanctuary." 

With  the  placing  of  the  new  organ  in  its  chamber  and 
the  building  of  the  choir  room  the  proposed  enrichment 
and  enlargement  of  St.  Peter's  Church  was  completed. 
It  was  fitting  that  the  memorial  gifts  and  structural 
changes  should  be  solemnly  set  apart  for  the  service  of 
Almighty  God.  The  bishop  of  the  diocese  appointed 
Tuesday,  June  i,  1886  as  the  day  of  consecration. 


41 6  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The  church  was  filled  on  Tuesday  morning  long 
before  the  hour  of  service  by  a  devout  congregation. 
At  half  past  ten  the  procession  was  formed  in  this  order: 
the  new  surpliced  choir  of  forty  voices,  fifty  of  the 
clergy  in  surplices,  including  several  who  had  formerly 
ministered  in  the  parish,  and  the  rector  of  the  parish. 
It  marched  from  the  choir  room  to  the  west  door  of  the 
church,  where  it  was  met  by  the  bishop  and  wardens 
and  vestrymen  of  St.  Peter's,  and  proceeded  up  the 
middle  alley  to  the  chancel.  The  processional  hymn 
was:  "Christ  is  made  the  sure  foundation."  The 
eighty-fourth  Psalm  was  chanted  responsively  by  the 
bishop,  clergy  and  choir.  When  the  bishop  had  taken 
his  seat  within  the  sanctuary  the  Rev.  Dr.  Battershall 
read  the  petition  asking  for  the  benediction  of  the 
memorials  and  renewed  consecration.  The  bishop  then 
blessed  each  gift  separately  with  an  appropriate  prayer 
and  the  sentence  of  renewed  consecration  was  pro- 
nounced. A  well  rendered  anthem  was  sung  by  the 
chancel  choir  which  was  reenforced  by  a  quartette.  The 
sermon  was  preached  by  the  bishop  from  the  text: 
"For  glory  and  for  beauty,"  Exodus  xxviii,  2. 
In  it  he  reviewed  the  history  of  St.  Peter's,  and 
expounded  the  meaning  of  the  text,  showing  that  glory 
and  beauty  are  required  for  the  service  of  the  Lord. 
These   extracts  show  the  scope  of  the  sermon : 

"The  material  steps  of  progress  in  the  Church  building 
are  marked  and  instructive.  Their  story  is  in  five  chap- 
ters of  which  we  close  the  last  to-day.  The  Church  of 
1716  was  of  stone,58  feet  long  and  42  feet  wide.  It  gave 
place  in  1803  to  the  first  building  upon  this  site;  and 
the  transfer  was  due,  I  believe,  to  the  necessity  for  a 
change  of  location.      In  i860,  that  Church  gave  way  to 


The  Present  Rectorship  417 

the  present  building;  the  leading  cause  for  whose  erec- 
tion was  to  secure  the  safety  of  the  worshippers.  In 
1876,  for  the  completion  of  the  original  design,  the 
unfinished  tower  was  completed  by  generous  gifts  of 
the  children  of  Mr.  John  Tweddle,  of  whose  good 
name  and  faithful  life  it  is  a  noble  memorial.  But  the 
heading  of  this  last  chapter,  which  describes  the  reason 
for  the  costly  and  beautiful  restorations  and  adornments 
which  call  for  this  service  of  consecration,  must  be  sim- 
ply this,  'For  glory  and  for  beauty.'  Since  neither  for 
accommodation  or  worshippers,  nor  change  of  situation, 
nor  safety  of  congregation,  nor  incompleteness  of  the 
building;  but  only  that  God,  in  all  things,  may  be 
glorified  and  his  worship  enriched  and  made  more 
beautiful,  have  the  changes  which  in  His  name  we 
accept  to-day,  been  undertaken  and  carried  to  such  suc- 
cessful result.  And  I  confess  this  seems  to  me  a  crown- 
ing satisfaction,  and  the  most  valuable  teaching  of  the 
service.  How  absolutely  in  accord  with  all  the  work- 
ings of  Almighty  God  in  nature,  and  with  the  revela- 
tions of  Almighty  God  in  the  Holy  Scripture,  all  this  is, 
I  need  not  stop  to  say.  *  *  *  "Step  by  step  in  this 
right  and  righteous  direction,  this  old  Parish  has  gone 
on,  and  I  come  here  to-day  with  a  heart  full  of  strange 
and  mixed  memories;  thankful  to  feel  that  prejudices 
and  suspicions  which  gathered  about  the  earlier  stages 
of  this  movement  twenty  years  ago,  have  given  way  to 
truer  and  better  perceptions  of  the  Church's  plan 
and  order  of  Divine  worship.  And  if  one  has  to 
put  together  the  Psalmist's  prophecy  with  the  Apos- 
tolic statement;  it  matters  little,  so  the  good  end  is 
reached;  one  soweth  in  tears,  and  another  reapeth 
in  joy. 


41 8  Saint  Peter's  Church 

"What  lies  beyond  this,  to  be  learned  from  the  festi- 
val service  of  to-day,  is  in  the  same  way  an  interpreta- 
tion of  our  text.  Look  where  you  will  in  the  changes 
and  improvements  of  this  building,  nothing  makes  for 
the  comfort  of  man,  but  all  looks  toward  the  worship 
of  God  and  all  the  beauty  is  for  His  glory.  With  my 
own  hands  set  as  they  were  on  St.  Mark's  Day  in  1869 
toward  an  addition  of  material  working  advantage  to 
this  parish,  when  the  first  steps  were  taken  at  the  cen- 
tennial celebration  of  its  incorporation,  for  the  building 
of  the  parish  house;  and  set,  as  my  hands  are  now, 
with  all  my  heart  in  them,  for  the  completion  of  the 
material  building  of  the  Cathedral,  (whose  only  proba- 
ble result  in  my  day  will  be  the  mere  practical  provision 
of  enlarged  accommodations  for  the  gathering  in  of 
large  numbers  of  men  in  a  great  free  Church;  the 
grandeur  of  whose  finished  building  for  glory  and  beauty, 
shall  be  for  other  hands  to  build  and  other  eyes  to  see), 
set  as  my  hands  and  heart  have  been  and  are  upon  large 
expenditure  of  money,  for  what  men  call  the  practical 
uses  of  religion  and  the  practical  appliances  of  Christi- 
anity, I  cannot  be  accused  of  undervaluing  the  useful 
in  our  days  of  work.      *     *     * 

"I  give  you  great  joy,  my  dear  brother,  that  along- 
side of  the  marked  and  spiritual  increase  which  God  has 
given  to  your  ministry,  He  has  permitted  you  to  build 
this  material  memorial  of  your  energy  and  devotion. 
That  God  may  grant  you  the  realization  of  the  prayer 
of  Nehemiah,  'to  be  remembered  for  good  for  all  that 
you  have  done  for  the  House  of  God  and  for  the  offices 
thereof,'  your  people,  and  your  brethren,  and  your 
Bishop,  will  earnestly  pray.  It  remains  for  you  and 
them  who  are  to  worship  here  in  the  generations   yet   to 


The  Present  Rectorship  419 

come,  to  remember  that  when,  under  the  guidance  of 
God's  will,  Moses  had  made  beautiful  those  outward 
vestments  of  the  priest,  that  they  might  accord  with  the 
outward  beauty  of  the  holy  place  wherein  he  ministered, 
they  had  not  yet  received  their  richest  color  or  their 
highest  crown  of  beauty  or  of  glory.  For  Moses  had 
to  take  'of  the  anointing  oil  and  of  the  blood  which  was 
upon  the  altar  and  sprinkle  it  upon  Aaron  and  upon  his 
garments,'  that  so  his  garments  and  himself  might  be 
sanctified  to  the  Lord.  This  same  anointing,  richer 
because  what  we  give  is  the  fulfilment  of  which  the  old 
oil  was  but  the  type  and  shadow,  we  seek  to  give  here, 
in  God's  name,  as  He  comes  and  blesses  this  building, 
filling  it,  in  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  once  He 
filled  the  glorious  Temple  and  the  lower  upper  room, 
with  the  very  glory  of  the  Lord.  "^ 

After  the  consecration,  the  Rev.  Russell  Woodman, 
assistant  minister  of  the  parish,  was  ordained  priest. 
The  bishop  was  the  celebrant  in  the  Holy  Communion. 
The  guests  of  the  parish  were  entertained  after  the  ser- 
vice in  the  Parish  House. 

In  the  evening  there  was  a  semi-choral  service,  at 
which  the  preacher  was  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  R.  Hunt- 
ington, rector  of  Grace  Church,  New  York  city.  His 
sermon  from  the  text,  "The  gate  of  the  temple  which 
is  called  beautiful,"  Acts  HI,  2,  traced  the  relation  of 
art  to  religion.  He  pictured  the  evolution  of  the  cathe- 
dral and  the  adornment  of  the  parish  church,  and 
showed  how  through  the  outer  gate  of  ritual  grace  and 
propriety  men  may  be  led  to  the  inner  and  spiritual 
reality  of  the  divine  life,  avoiding  the  danger  of  substi- 
tuting art  for  spirituality. 

'  Albany  Convention  Journal,  1886,  pp.  83,  84,  85,  86,  87. 


420  Saint  Peter's  Church 

For  many  months  under  the  direction  of  an  energetic 
committee,  Albany  had  been  preparing  to  celebrate  the 
bi-centennial  of  its  incorporation  as  a  city  under  the 
charter  granted  by  Governor  Thomas  Dongan  on  July 
21,  1686.  There  were  to  be  civic  processions,  general 
illuminations,  and  public  meetings  with  poems  and 
orations.  Provision  was  also  made  for  a  bi-centennial 
Sunday,  when  special  services  were  to  be  held  in  certain 
designated  churches  at  which  the  religious  history  of  the 
city  was  to  be  rehearsed  in  the  presence  of  representa- 
tives of  the  city  government  and  the  bi-centennial  com- 
mittee.     St.  Peter's  was  among  those  designated. 

On  Sunday,  July  18,  1886,  the  church  was  appro- 
priately adorned  for  the  festival.  The  music,  under 
the  direction  of  Mr.  F.  W.  Mills,  organist  and  choir 
master,  was  of  a  high  order  of  excellence.  A  hymn 
written  for  the  occasion  by  Bishop  Doane,  of  which  the 
music  was  composed  by  Dr.  JefFery,  the  organist  of  All 
Saints'  Cathedral,  "Ancient  of  Days,"  was  sung  as  the 
processional.  It  has  since  become  well  known  and 
popular  by  its  adoption  into  the  Church  hymnal.  At 
the  morning  service  the  church  was  thronged  with  peo- 
ple. The  sermon  was  preached  by  the  rector  from  the 
text:  "A  citizen  of  no  mean  city,"  Acts  xxi,  39.  Of 
the   past   and    future    of   Albany    he  said  in  conclusion : 

"But  what  avails  it  to  study  the  past  except  we  win 
from  it  light  and  energy  for  the  duty  of  the  present .'' 
The  Albany  of  to-day  and  the  Albany  of  the  future — 
this  is  the  vision  whose  form  rises  and  lifts  importunate 
voice  amid  the  rejoicings  of  this  civic  festival;  and  the 
lineaments  of  that  vision  it  lies  in  our  own  hands  to 
fashion.  Our  inheritance  in  history  only  deepens  our 
responsibility.      As  I  have  said,  a  city  is  a  vital  thing; 


The  Present  Rectorship  421 

it  has  an  organic  life;  it  takes  to  itself  a  character. 
You,  men  of  Albany,  are  moulding  the  character  of 
your  city,  not  simply  by  municipal  legislation,  but  by 
those  personal  traits,  those  daily  dealings  by  which  you 
make  the  moral  atmosphere,  the  business  methods,  the 
political  life  of  the  city.  Is  there  nothing  here  and 
there  that  we  find  amiss .''  Why  is  it  that  this  town, 
lying  at  the  radiating  point  of  the  great  thoroughfares 
of  commerce,  running  north  and  south  and  east  and 
west,  grows  so  slowly,  and  in  population  and  industry 
is  overshadowed  by  towns  of  yesterday  ?  The  impor- 
tance of  cities  is  not  measured  by  their  bulk  any  more 
than  the  importance  of  men;  but  growth  is  ever  a  sign 
of  health.  Let  us  see  to  it,  mv  friends,  and  remember 
there  are  fixed  and  unchangeable  conditions  for  a  sound 
and  prosperous  civic  life.  Every  citizen  is  charged 
with  duty  in  regard  to  the  supply   of   these   conditions. 

"Albany  carries  a  self  contained  soul.  It  takes  color 
from  the  flow  of  its  own  blood.  When  it  moves  it  is 
apt  to  move  with  a  strong  step.  It  has  an  instinct  for 
the  best  things.  All  its  traditions  are  in  favor  of  hon- 
esty and  reality  and  slowly  growing  power,  and  scorn  of 
shams,  and  love  of  a  clean  and  well-ordered  life.  God 
grant  that  these  features  may  ever  stand  out  clear  and 
strong  in  its  municipal  history,  and  that  we  may  win 
from  this  civic  commemoration  a  new  sense  of  citizen- 
ship, a  new  love  and  a  new  loyalty  for  this  ancient  city 
of  our  altars  and  our  hearthstones." 

At  the  evening  service  the  church  was  filled  to  over- 
flowing, the  rectors  of  the  other  city  parishes  and  sev- 
eral visiting  clergymen  were  in  the  procession  besides  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Battershall  and  Bishop  Doane.  The  choir 
had  been  re-enforced  by  those  of  All  Saints'    Cathedral, 


42  2  Saint  Peter's  Church 

and  Grace  Church,  making  one  hundred  and  ten  voices 
in  all.  It  was  an  imposing  procession  that  entered  the 
church  and  a  distinguished  congregation  took  part 
in  the  service.  The  special  guests  of  honor  were  the 
Hon.  David  B.  Hill,  Governor  of  the  State;  the  Hon. 
John  Boyd  Thacher,  Mayor  of  Albany,  Professor  Boss 
of  the  Dudley  Observatory,  and  a  large  delegation  from 
the  city  government  and  the  bi-centennial  committee. 
The  special  psalms  were  144,  145.  The  bishop  of  the 
diocese  was  the  preacher.  Of  Albany's  claim  to  honor 
and  glory,  Dr.  Doane  said:  "Albany  has  fallen  to  our 
lot  by  birth  or  by  adoption.  It  is  a  city  with  an  hon- 
orable record  of  two  hundred  years.  It  is  among  the 
first  of  the  chartered  cities  of  our  country.  It  is  the 
city  of  Clinton,  and  Schuyler,  and  Livingston,  and 
Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  of  William  L.  Marcy,  and 
Harmanus  Bleecker,  and  Gansevoort  and  Dix;  the  city 
where  Henry  and  Romeyn  Beck  were  teachers;  the  city 
whence  Potter  and  Kip,  and  Starkey  and  Wadhams  went 
to  be  bishops,  and  McCloskey  to  be  archbishop  and 
cardinal;  where  Lydius,  and  Sprague,  and  Campbell 
and  Welch  have  been  pastors,  where  Croswell  and  Weed 
were  journalists;  where  Wendell  and  Townsend  and 
March  and  Vanderpoel  practiced  medicine ;  and  Spencer 
and  Reynolds  and  Nicholas  Hill  and  Cagger  practiced 
law;  where  Corning  was  to  the  front  rank  of  iron  mas- 
ters; where  Olcott  and  King  were  great  bankers;  where 
Pruyn  was  honorable  in  the  leisure  of  his  public  spirited 
interest  and  generous  hospitality;  where  Meads  was 
known  and  honored  in  and  for  his  courtesy  and  culti- 
vated dignity;  a  city  which  holds  many  another  honored 
name  on  its  long  roll  of  worthies.  It  is  the  city  that 
gathers   to   itself  the   legislators,    the   lawyers   and    the 


The  Present  Rectorship  423 

judges  of  the  greatest  State  of  the  union.  It  is  the  city 
of  the  Dudley  Observatory,  the  Albany  Academies,  the 
St.  Agnes  School  and  the  schools  of  Law  and  Medicine. 
We  have  come  to  have  this  city  for  our  own.  Let  us 
adorn  it  with  memorials  and  with  initiations  of  the  vir- 
tues of  the  past,  with  their  perpetuation  and  with  the 
carrying  on  into  the  future  the  blessings  of  which  we 
are  the  heirs.  It  is  a  legitimate  love,  this  love  of  city, 
by  all  scriptural  precedents,  by  all  historic  antecedents, 
by  all  eternal  anticipations.  The  eyes  and  feet  of  all 
Israel  made  pilgrimage  to  the  fair  place  of  the  hill  of 
Zion  where  lay  the  city  of  the  great  king.  The  round 
world  has  revolved  about  the  centres  of  Rome  and  Con- 
stantinople and  Alexandria,  and  at  the  very  name  of 
city  the  hearts  and  memories  of  men  turn  to  Venice  and 
Florence  and  Edinburgh,  the  jewels  of  the  Adriatic 
and  of  the  Arno,  and  of  the  land  of  Scott  and 
Burns,  and  more  than  all  the  outlook  of  Augustine's 
dream,  of  St.  John's  vision  and  of  every  Christian's 
hope  is  the  Civitas  Dei — the  city  of  pure  gold — the 
city  that  hath  foundations — whose  builder  and  maker 
is  God."' 

St.  Petvr's  Orphans'  Home  had  long  needed  better 
accommodations.  The  offerings  made  for  this  purpose 
on  Easter  Day,  1883,  and  by  various  individuals  formed 
a  fund  for  the  purchase  of  a  suitable  building.  In  the 
spring  of  1885  the  property  at  No.  9  High  Street 
was  purchased.  It  was  remodelled  from  the  designs  of 
Mr.  Franklin  H.  Janes,  put  into  thorough  sanitary 
condition,  completely  furnished  and  was  ready  for  use 
in  the  early  autumn.  On  the  feast  of  St.  Michael  and 
All  Angels,  September  29,  1885,  it  was  solemnly  dedi- 

'  Albany  Convention  Journal,  1886.     p.  90. 


424  Saint  Peter's  Church 

cated.      Addresses    were   made   by    the   bishop   and  the 
rector  of  the  parish. 

In  1883  the  venerable  Dr.  Potter,  bishop  of  New 
York,  retired  from  the  active  duties  of  his  office.  Early 
on  the  morning  of  the  feast  of  the  Epiphany,  January  6, 
1887,  he  entered  into  rest.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Battershall, 
the  rector,  and  Mr.  John  S.  Perry  and  George  S. 
Weaver,  the  wardens,  were  the  official  representatives  of 
St.  Peter's  Church  at  the  funeral  in  Trinity  Church, 
New  York  city. 

It  seemed  proper  there  should  be  held  a  memorial  ser- 
vice in  St.  Peter's.  On  Saturday  morning,  January  15, 
1887,  at  eleven  o'clock,  a  representative  congregation, 
some  of  whom  had  been  parishioners  of  Dr.  Potter, 
assembled  in  the  church,  which  was  draped  with  mourn- 
ing. The  wardens  and  vestry,  wearing  mourning  badges, 
occupied  special  seats.  A  large  number  of  the  clergy 
of  the  diocese  in  addition  to  the  bishop  and  the  rector 
were  in  the  procession.  Bishop  Potter's  intimate 
friend,  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  I.  Tucker  of  the  Holy 
Cross,  Troy,  made  the  memorial  address. 

At  the  request  of  the  vestry  Dr.  Battershall  prepared 
a  minute  "expressive  of  the  veneration  entertained  by 
this  vestry  and  this  Church  for  the  late  Bishop  Potter." 

After  mentioning  the  fact  of  his  call  to  the  episcopate 
from  the  parish  and  his  strong  personality,  the 
memorial  speaks  of  "the  large  inheritance  in  the  memory 
of  Bishop  Potter"  held  by  St.  Peter's  parish,  "to  which 
he  gave  twenty-one  years  of  pastoral  care."  It  declares 
that  "his  long  and  tranquil  rectorship  gave  to  the  parish 
positive  and  permanent  features  of  character,  left  the 
memory  of  a  blameless  ministry,  and  knit  into  itself 
strong  and  enduring  friendships." 


The  Present  Rectorship  425 

A  special  meeting  of  the  vestry  was  summoned  on 
March  18,  1887,  to  consider  the  condition  of  the 
finances  of  the  parish.  Mr.  Perry  offered  a  preamble  and 
resolution  declaring  that  it  had  been  found  necessary  to 
borrow  fifteen  thousand  dollars  to  meet  pressing  claims, 
and  directing  the  finance  committee  "to  borrow  on  the 
credit  of  the  Corporation  the  sum  of  fifteen  thousand  dol- 
lars."  It  empowered  "the  rector  and  the  chairman  of  the 
finance  committee  to  execute  on  behalf  and  in  the  name  of 
the  corporation  a  bond  (or  bonds)  for  the  payment  of  that 
sum  at  the  expiration  of  five  years  from  the  date  there- 
of, with  interest  at  the  rate  of  five  per  cent  per  annum. 
The  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted  and  five 
bonds  of  three  thousand  dollars  each  were  issued  and  sold. 

In  January,  1888,  the  Rev.  Russell  Woodman,  who 
had  been  assistant  minister  since  June,  1885,  resigned 
to  take  charge  of  Trinity  Church,  Albany.  In  a  series 
of  resolutions  the  vestry  speak  of  the  effectiveness  and 
courtesy  with  which  he  had  discharged  his  duties  and 
especially  his  care  for  the  poor  and  influence  over  the 
youth  of  the  congregation. 

In  the  spring  of  1888,  it  was  determined  that  the 
congregation  should  be  asked  to  contribute  toward  the 
payment  of  the  bonded  debt  at  the  approaching  Easter 
day.  The  finance  committee  prepared  a  concise  state- 
ment of  the  reasons  for  each  item  of  the  debt  and  made 
an  appeal  for  an  offering  of  fifteen  thousand  dollars.  It 
added  this  summary  of  the  indebtedness: 

Statement 

Note  due  April,    1885 $1,800  00 

Cost  of  Choir  room  over  special  gift i>5i9   -9 

Cost  of  improvements  over  Easter  offering 

of    1885 5,557    81 


426  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Necessary   repairs  to  Church $1,248  24 

Repairs  and  improvements  to  Parish  House  591  79 

Cost  of  Organ  over  allowance  for  old  Organ  4,503  24 

State  Street  Sewer 529  79 

$15,750   16 
Interest   paid Ij455  03 

117,205    19 
Less  Easter  offertory,  1886.  ..  .      $952   55 

"         "  "  1887 1,242   85 

2,195  40 

Debt $15,009   79 

Mr.  Robert  C.  Pruyn  on  behalf  of  the  committee 
presented  the  statement  to  the  vestry  at  a  meeting  held 
on  March  21,  1888.  It  was  approved  and  adopted. 
A  printed  copy  was  ordered  to  be  sent  to  each  parish- 
ioner. Those  present  at  this  meeting  immediately 
pledged  one  third  of  the  debt.  The  Easter  offering  was 
large  and  the  entire  debt  was  practically  extinguished  in 
three  years. 

On  April  4,  1889,  Mr.  John  S.  Perry,  the  senior 
warden,  after  a  long  and  painful  illness  entered  into 
rest.  He  had  served  the  parish  in  many  offices  of  trust. 
His  associates  united  in  a  suitable  memorial  minute, 
and  on  the  Sunday  after  his  death  Dr.  Battershall  in 
a  memorial  address  said:  "For  many  years  he  was 
vestryman  and  for  the  last  six  years  senior  warden  of 
this  parish.  I  do  no  wrong  to  the  inner  circle  of  affec- 
tions where  a  man  battling  in  the  front  of  life  finds  the 
hallowed  springs  that  keep  his  heart  pure  and  sweet  and 
tender,  when  I  say  that  he  held  St.  Peter's  Church  in 
the   inmost  depths  of  his  thought  and  love.      He  gave 


The  Present  Rectorship  427 

to  it  the  passionate  devotion  of  his  strong  nature.  Its 
dignity,  its  prosperity,  its  usefulness  were  precious  to 
him  exceedingly  and  he  toiled  for  it  without  stint.  It 
was  not  that  he  held  official  position  in  the  parish.  In 
matters  where  the  voice  and  judgment  of  others  shaped 
the  method  and  the  result,  he  gave  unabated  his  interest, 
his  sympathy,  his  help.  He  thought  only  of  the  well 
being  and  growth  of  the  Church.  He  loved  the  simple 
and  dignified  ceremonial  of  its  worship.  On  the  Lord's 
Day,  not  once  but  twice  he  was  in  his  place  at  the  hour 
of  prayer.  At  the  close  of  the  service  he  would  linger 
as  if  loth  to  depart.  In  the  incessant  pain  of  his  last 
illness  he  would  inquire  of  me  regarding  the  Church 
and  its  services,  and  would  listen  to  the  details  of  the 
parish  life  with  an  interest  that  was  pathetic.  In  all 
this  there  was  no  narrowness  or  exclusiveness,  for  he 
was  broad  in  his  creed  and  in  his  sympathies." 

The  lease  for  the  lot  on  which  the  rectory  stood  made 
with  trustees  of  Masters'  Lodge  No.  5,  by  Mr.  Gilbert 
L.  Wilson  on  April  30,  1859,  expired  on  May  i,  1889. 
On  April  25,  1889,  Mr.  Robert  Waterman,  Mr. 
Edmund  L.  Judson,  and  Mr.  James  Ten  Eyck,  as 
trustees,  and  the  Rev.  Walton  W.  Battershall  as  rector, 
and  Mr.  Joseph  W.  Tillinghast  as  chairman  of  the 
finance  committee  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  executed  a 
new  lease  for  five  years  at  the  yearly  rent  of  four  hun- 
dred dollars. 

On  the  evening  of  September  30,  1889,  a  reception 
was  given  in  the  parish  house  to  commemorate  the 
fifteenth  anniversary  of  the  rectorship.  A  gift  of  fifteen 
hundred  dollars  was  presented  to  the  rector  in  a 
graceful  speech  by  the  Hon.  Abraham  Lansing.  Of 
Dr.  Battershall's  work  in  the  parish  he  said:     "During 


428  Saint  Peter's  Church 

this  period  of  fifteen  years  the  spiritual  guidance  of  the 
parish  has  been  in  your  hands  and  the  responsibility  for 
its  ecclesiastical  welfare  has  rested  on  your  shoulders. 
You  have  married  its  sons  and  daughters;  you  have 
given  to  the  Church  its  children  through  the  sacrament 
of  baptism  ;  you  have  stood  by  the  tomb  with  its  mourn- 
ers; you  have  ministered  continually  at  its  altar;  you 
have  gone  in  and  out  among  its  homes,  bringing  messages 
of  cheer  and  religious  consolation  to  the  suffering  and 
distressed.  These  are  grave  and  delicate  duties;  these 
are  high  responsibilities;  these  are  sacred  offices;  and  I 
stand  here  to-night  at  this  epoch  in  your  ministerial 
labors  the  honored  bearer  of  a  message  which  it  gratifies 
me  to  deliver,  and  which  it  will  gladden  and  encourage 
you  to  heed.  The  message  which  I  bring  is  this:  That 
the  parish  of  St.  Peter's  Church  renews  to  you  now  the 
assurance  of  that  confidence  and  trust  which  it  gave  to 
you  in  the  flush  and  fervor  of  a  new-born  enthusiasm  at 
your  coming  fifteen  years  ago."  Dr.  Battershall  thus 
briefly  responded:  "Some  speak  of  the  hardship  of  the 
ministry.  You  have  made  my  toil  a  joy  by  the  atmos- 
phere of  affection  and  respect  which  you  have  made  me 
breathe  in  the  doing  of  my  work.  You  have  made  me 
strong  by  your  loyalty  and  confidence.  When  I  came 
to  St.  Peter's  fifteen  years  ago,  I  felt  that  there  was 
committed  to  me  a  sacred  trust,  the  care  and  the  upbuild- 
ing of  this  old  historic  parish.  The  deepest  purpose  of 
my  heart  has  been  to  fulfill  this  trust.  To  this  end  I 
have  thought  and  prayed  and  toiled.  And  through  it 
all  I  have  felt  beneath  my  hands  the  uplifting  pressure 
of  your  hands.  You  have  made  my  work  easy  and 
have  given  it  its  fruitage.  I  thank  God  for  his  bene- 
diction on  these  fifteen  years,  and  while  I  cannot  forget 


The  Present  Rectorship  429 

the  venerable  history  of  this  Church,  the  notable  names 
that  have  been  associated  with  its  history,  the  holy 
memories  that  have  been  brought  into,  and  given  a  new 
consecration  to  its  majestic  walls,  above  all,  I  pray  God 
that  this  parish  of  St.  Peter's  may  be  a  mighty  instru- 
ment in  the  hands  of  God  in  bringing  the  beautiful  and 
diviiie  life  of  Christ  into  the  lives  of  the  men  and 
women  of  this  city." 

The  Rev.  John  A.  Bevington,  the  assistant  minister, 
presented  from  the  Sunday  School  a  china  dinner  service 
and  from  the  Young  Men's  Guild  a  piano  lamp. 

On  Sunday,  November  11,  1889,  after  his  return  from 
the  general  Convention,  Dr.  Battershall  delivered  his 
anniversary  sermon:  The  Idea  and  Work  of  a  City 
Parish.  The  text  was:  "We  have  thought  of  Thy 
loving  kindness,  O  God,  in  the  midst  of  Thy  temple." 
Psalm  xliii,  9.  The  sermon  concluded  with  these 
words:  "These  are  the  thoughts,  dearly  beloved,  that 
crowd  upon  me  as  I  face  the  future  of  this  parish.  It 
has  a  definite  life,  a  definite  work,  and  it  is  for  you  and 
me  to  toil  for  the  realization  of  its  ideal.  Many  who 
attend  its  services  infrequently  look  to  it  for  Christian 
ministrations.  With  all  its  long  history  and  its  ancient 
memories,  it  is  filled  with  young,  strong  life.  It  is  an 
army  for  Christ,  and  every  man,  woman  and  child  has  a 
place  in  the  ranks  and  a  duty  in  the  front.  It  welcomes 
all  and  it  needs  all,  and  it  has  work  for  all.  May  God 
enable  it  to  come  to  the  heart  and  home  of  each  of  you 
with  continual  benediction,  and  may  you  by  your  love 
and  prayer  and  toil,  help  to  make  it  more  and  more  a 
power  for  God  in  this  city." 

On  April  8,  1890,  the  Hon.  Edmund  L.  Judson 
died.     His  associates  in  the  vestry  of  St.  Peter's  adopted 


430  Saint  Peter's  Church 

a  memorial  minute  in  which  they  say  that  the  parish 
"has  suffered  the  loss  of  a  conscientious  and  consistent 
member,  a  wise  counsellor,  a  trusted  and  devoted  vestry- 
man, a  faithful  and  upright  treasurer."  In  his  sermon 
on  the  following  Sunday,  Dr.  Battershall  said:  "The 
profound  grief  and  sense  of  loss  which  stirred  the  com- 
munity at  the  tidings  of  his  death,  attested  the  esteem  in 
which  he  was  held  in  this  city  in  which  he  was  born,  and 
with  whose  business  and  social  life  he  was  prominently 
identified.  He  had  hosts  of  friends,  for  he  was  manly, 
genial  and  generous.  He  was  chosen  to  fill  high  places 
of  trust  and  honor,  the  duties  of  which  he  discharged 
with  scrupulous  integrity  and  rare  ability.  He  served 
most  faithfully  this  Church  which  he  loved,  in  mani- 
fold ways,  and  above  all  he  translated  his  Christianity 
into  the  daily  beauty  of  a  loving  and  upright  life." 
On  Trinity  Sunday,  May,  24,  1891,  the  offerings  of 
the  people  were  received  for  the  nucleus  of  a  fund  for 
the  endowment  of  the  parish.  In  explaining  to  the 
congregation  the  reason  for  creating  such  a  fund.  Dr. 
Battershall  said  that  "the  fund  would  be  used  for  the 
purpose  of  spreading  the  gospel  and  extending  the  work 
of  the  Church.  As  colleges  and  other  educational  insti- 
tutions are  endowed  with  large  sums  for  the  propagation 
of  education,  he  thought  that  churches  also  should  be 
endowed  with  such  gifts  for  the  furtherance  of  Christi- 
anity and  more  justly  so,  as  they  are  the  great  moral 
forces  of  every  community  and  their  power  of  doing 
good  should  be  aided  and  increased."  The  fund  has 
slowly  grown  by  the  annual  Trinity  Sunday  offerings, 
and  now  amounts  to  about  sixteen  hundred  dollars. 
In  the  summer  of  this  year  the  Rev.  George  B. 
Richards  became  the  assistant  minister. 


The  Present  Rectorship  431 

The  City  of  Albany  during  the  summer  and  autumn 
of  1 89 1  repaved  Maiden  Lane  in  accordance  with  the 
provisions  of  an  act  passed  by  the  New  York  legislature 
in  April,  1889,  which  allowed  "any  street  which  is  or 
constitutes  an  approach  to  the  new  capitol  building  from 
the  east"  to  be  repaved  with  granite  blocks  without  the 
consent  of  the  property  owners  on  the  line  of  the 
improvement.  The  corporation  of  St.  Peter's  Church 
was  assessed  as  the  owner  of  the  rectory  on  the  leased 
ground  on  the  corner  of  Lodge  Street  and  Maiden  Lane 
more  than  seven  hundred  dollars.  It  refused  to  pay 
this  assessment,  claiming  that  this  repaving,  being  a 
permanent  improvement  under  the  provisions  of  the 
lease  from  Masters'  Lodge  should  be  paid  by  the  trustees 
of  that  body.  The  trustees  of  the  lodge  contended  that 
it  was  an  ordinary  assessment  "for  paving,  flagging,  or 
repairing  the  streets  adjoining  said  premises"  which 
should  be  paid  by  the  vestry.  While  the  controversy 
was  in  progress  the  city  authorities  on  February  20, 
1892,  sold  the  rectory  to  satisfy  the  unpaid  assess- 
ment which  with  costs  and  interest  amounted  to  seven 
hundred  and  ninety-nine  dollars  and  seventy-nine 
cents. 

To  definitely  determine  the  liability  of  the  parish,  a 
friendly  suit  was  entered  at  the  general  term  of  the 
Supreme  Court  of  the  State.  A  statement  of  facts  was 
agreed  upon  and  submitted  to  the  court  by  both  parties. 
The  case  was  carefully  argued  and  a  decision  rendered 
in  favor  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  by  the  justices  of  the 
third  district  of  the  Supreme  Court.  It  was  carried  by 
the  trustees  of  Master's  Lodge  to  the  Court  of  Appeals 
where  the  decision  of  the  lower  court  was  affirmed  on 
February  27,  1894.      The  Hon.  Abraham  Lansing  was 


432  Saint  Peter's  Church 

attorney  for  the  Church,  and  Messrs.  Stedman,  Thomp- 
son and  Andrews  for  the  trustees.' 

The  debt  of  the  parish  for  the  renovation  of  the 
church,  was  the  subject  of  consideration  by  the  vestry 
during  the  autumn  of  1890,  and  an  appeal  to  the  con- 
gregation was  made  on  November  20th,  showing  the 
necessity  for  its  extinguishment  and  soliciting  subscrip- 
tions, to  be  paid  through  the  offertory  on  Easter  day, 
1 89 1.  The  appeal  was  successful,  and  over  seven 
thousand  dollars  were  then  offered  which  cancelled  that 
portion  of  the  indebtedness. 

On  April  i,  1892,  Mr.  Walter  Hall,  who  had  suc- 
ceeded Mr.  F.  W.  Mills  as  organist  and  choir  master  in 
October,  1890,  resigned  to  accept  a  position  in  the 
Church  of  the  Heavenly  Rest,  New  York  city.  Mr. 
Frank  Sill  Rogers  was  engaged  as  organist  and  choir 
master.  At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  on  April  4,  1892, 
the  rector  announced  the  death  of  Mr.  John  Macdonald 
who  had  been  for  seventeen  years  a  resident  of  Albany, 
a  loyal  and  devoted  member  of  the  parish  and  a  useful 
vestryman.  The  vestry  showed  their  appreciation  of 
him  in  a  series  of  resolutions.  In  memory  of  Mr. 
Macdonald,  on  the  following  Christmas  day  an  angel 
lectern  in  bronze,  given  by  his  widow,  was  solemnly 
blessed  in  a  brief  special  service.  In  his  sermon  on 
this  occasion.  Dr.  Battershall  said  of  Mr.  Macdonald: 
"He  did  his  work  in  the  world  with  strong  clean  hands. 
His  religion  was  of  that  type  which  the  world  ever 
recognizes  and  respects.      There  was   no   cant,  no  loud 

'  See  New  York  Supreme  Court  Cases  and  Briefs  of  Counsel.     Third 

Department,   1892.      zii8  in  Law  Library,  New  York   State   Library. 

Hun's  Reports,  65.    New  York  Supreme  Court  Lxxii,  pp.   194-203. 

New  York  Reports,   141.      Court  of  Appeals,  Sickels,  96,  pp.  588, 

589- 


The  Present  Rectorship  433 

profession,  but  a  simple  faith,  a  large  love  and  an 
unflinching  honesty." 

On  June  i,  1893,  the  Rev.  George  B.  Richards 
resigned  his  position  as  assistant  minister,  to  accept  the 
rectorship  of  St.  John's  Church,  Richfield  Springs.  He 
went  to  his  new  work  with  the  cordial  good  will  of  all 
the  people  of  the  parish.  The  Rev.  Paul  H.  Birdsall 
became  the  temporary  assistant,  serving  with  great 
acceptance  until  October,  when  the  Rev.  Churchill 
Satterlee  was  appointed.  On  account  of  the  serious 
illness  of  Mrs.  Satterlee  his  occupancy  of  the  position 
was  very  brief.  Immediately  after  his  ordination  to 
the  priesthood  in  St.  Peter's,  on  Tuesday,  November 
28,  Mr.  Satterlee  removed  to  North  Carolina. 

During  the  summer  of  1893,  a  new  system  of  heating 
and  ventilation  designed  by  Mr.  James  F.  McElroy, 
was  installed  at  the  cost  of  six  thousand  five  hundred 
dollars.  It  has  proved  in  every  respect  satisfactory. 
In  January,  1894,  the  Rev.  Paul  H.  Birdsall  was 
called  as  assistant  minister.  He  entered  upon  his  duties 
in  March,  1894. 

At  a  vestry  meeting  held  on  December  17,  1894, 
Mr.  Tillinghast  from  the  finance  committee  reported 
that  the  property  adjoining  the  church  on  the  north 
belonging  to  Dr.  Horace  M.  Paine  had  been  offered 
for  sale  for  nineteen  thousand  dollars,  subject  to  a 
mortgage  of  eleven  thousand  dollars.  The  committee 
"had  unanimously  argeed  that  in  view  of  the  expiration 
of  the  lease  of  the  lot  upon  which  the  present  rectory 
is  built,  and  of  the  probable  needs  of  the  parish  in  the 
future,  it  was  of  great  importance  that  the  property 
should  be  secured  to  the  church.  They  had  therefore 
authorized   the   treasurer  to   enter    into    a    contract    to 

28 


434  Saint  Peter's  Church 

purchase  the  property  for  the  price  above  stated  and  to 
pay  down  the  sum  of  five  hundred  dollars  to  apply 
thereon."  The  action  of  the  committee  was  approved 
and  ratified  and  notes  for  ten  thousand  dollars  to  pay 
the  balance  of  the  purchase  money  over  and  above  the 
amount  of  the  existing  mortgage  were  authorized. 

It  was  announced  that  preliminary  plans  for  the 
adaptation  of  Dr.  Paine's  house  for  a  rectory  had 
already  been  prepared  by  Mr.  William  A.  Wheeler,  as 
it  seemed  probable  that  Masters'  Lodge  would  take 
possession  of  their  property.  A  renewal  lease  had  been 
drawn  up  by  the  attorney  for  the  lodge  but  had  not 
been  signed  by  the  trustees.  The  rector,  the  wardens 
and  Mr.  Lansing  were  made  a  committee  to  continue 
negotiations  with  the  trustees  of  the  lodge.  The  result 
of  the  conference  was  a  refusal  to  make  any  concessions 
and  a  notice  that  possession  of  the  property  would  be 
required  on  May  i,  1895. 

On  December  31,  1894,  the  deed  for  the  house  and 
lot  of  Dr.  Paine  was  signed  and  sealed.  Thus  after 
nearly  ninety  years  the  parish  repurchased  a  portion  of 
the  land  first  sold  by  it.  The  estimates  for  remodelling 
Dr.  Paine's  house  were  presented  on  January  23,  1895. 
They  aggregated  ten  thousand  dollars.  The  vestry 
now  determined  to  order  the  preparation  of  plans  and 
specifications  for  a  new  rectory.  Dr.  Battershall  was 
requested  to  call  a  meeting  of  the  congregation,  at  which 
the  rectory  plans  were  to  be  exhibited. 

The  plan  for  adapting  the  stable  on  the  newly  acquired 
property  for  a  choir-room  were  presented  on  February 
II,  1895.  The  design  of  Messrs.  Fuller  &  Wheeler 
for  the  new  rectory,  with  full  plans  and  specifications, 
was   exhibited   and   explained.      It  had    been   prepared 


The  Present  Rectorship  435 

under  the  direction  of  the  rector.  Estimates  from 
builders  were  submitted  offering  to  complete  the  build- 
ing for  the  sum  of  fifteen  thousand  nine  hundred  and 
seventy-four  dollars.  The  plans  were  unanimously 
approved  and  it  was  resolved  that  the  new  rectory  should 
be  built  at  once.  On  the  afternoon  of  Wednesday, 
February  20,  1895,  the  rector  gave  a  farewell  reception 
in  the  old  rectory  which  was  largely  attended. 

On  February  25th  a  statement  signed  by  the  rector, 
wardens  and  vestrymen  was  issued  to  the  congregation. 
It  detailed  the  reasons  for  the  purchase  of  the  Paine 
property,  the  necessity  for  immediate  action,  described 
the  plans  for  a  new  rectory  and  the  method  proposed 
for  securing  the  funds  for  building,  and  invited  the 
congregation  to  inspect  the  plans  at  the  house  on  State 
Street,  on  Wednesday  and  Thursday,  February  27,  28. 

Happily  the  proposal  to  remortgage  the  rectory  lot 
to  obtain  the  funds  for  building  was  not  necessary. 
On  March  4th,  the  vestry  was  summoned  to  meet  in 
special  session,  to  consider  a  generous  and  unexpected 
offer  from  two  members  of  the  parish.  The  senior 
warden,  Mr.  Tillinghast,  presented  and  read  this  letter: 

Dear  Dr.  Battershall:  34^  State  Street.  Albany,  N.  Y. 

My  sister,  Sarah  B.  Potts,  joins  me  in  offering  to  build  the  new  rec- 
tory of  St.  Peter's  Church  as  a  memorial  of  our  father  and  mother,  at  a 
cost  not  to  exceed  seventeen  thousand  five  hundred  dollars  (§17,500) 
subject  to  the  following  conditions: 

That  Mr.  J.  W.  Tillinghast  be  given  foil  charge  of  the  work;  that 
the  members  of  the  congregation  free  the  lot  from  all  indebtedness  within 
two  years  and  furnish  and  care  for  the  rectory  when  finished,  and  that  a 
suitable  tablet  be  placed  in  the  building. 

Trusting  that  this  will  meet  with  the  approval  of  all,  I  am. 

Very  sincerely  yours, 

W.  W.  Battershall,  D.  D.  J^^^-^  ^-  Po^^"^^- 


436  Saint  Peter's  Church 

After  the  letter  had  been  read,  the  rector,  Dr.  Batter- 
shall,  commented  on  the  munificence  of  the  gift  and  the 
peculiar  propriety  of  its  memorial  reference.  He 
referred  to  the  long  and  intimate  relations  of  Mr.  Jesse 
C,  Potts  to  the  parish  of  St.  Peter's,  of  which  for  many 
years  he  was  a  faithful  communicant  and  vestryman. 
As  vestryman  and  after  his  resignation  until  his  death, 
he  was  devoted  to  the  interests  of  the  parish  and  rendered 
eminent  services  as  a  member  of  the  building  committee 
which  had  charge  of  the  erection  of  the  present  edifice 
of  St.  Peter's  Church,  and  as  chairman  of  the  committee 
which  had  supervision  of  the  building  of  the  Tweddle 
memorial  tower.  With  peculiar  intelligence  and  fidelity 
he  discharged  his  duty  on  these  important  committees. 
It  was,  therefore,  eminently  fitting  that  this  notable 
addition  to  the  church  property,  the  new  rectory,  should 
stand  as  an  abiding  memorial  to  him  and  his  beloved 
wife  who  shared  with  him  his  love  and  devotion  to  the 
church  of  God  and  St.  Peter's  parish. 

The  vestry  put  on  record  their  high  appreciation  of 
this  gift  and  in  accepting  it  "gave  assurance  that  all  the 
conditions  named  in  the  letter  of  Mr.  Potts  will  be  most 
faithfully  complied  with."  To  obtain  money  to  pay 
for  the  lot,  subscription  books  were  prepared  and  circu- 
lated throughout  the  parish.  On  April  4th  the  rector 
reported  that  the  pledges  for  the  purchase  of  the  rectory 
lot,  amounted  to  twelve  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
thirty-five  dollars.  The  new  choir  room  was  completed 
early  in  April  at  a  cost  of  thirteen  hundred  and  thirteen 
dollars. 

On  May  i,  1895,  the  rector  and  his  family  removed 
from  the  old  rectory  to  No.  68  South  Swan  Street  which 
had  been  leased  as  a  temporary  rectory. 


The  Potts  Alemorial  Rectory 

Built  j8(^j 


The  Present  Rectorship  437 

In  January,  1896,  the  Potts  memorial  rectory  was 
finished  at  a  cost  of  twenty  thousand  dollars,  adding  to 
the  street  a  fine  example  of  domestic  Gothic  and  com- 
pleting the  group  of  buildings  of  St.  Peter's  parish. 
The  architecture  of  the  structure  is  different  from,  but 
sympathetic  with,  that  of  the  church.  The  style  is  that 
prevalent  in  England  for  dwelling  houses  in  the  early 
Tudor  period.  It  is  built  of  narrow  pressed  brick  of  a 
warm  grey  tint  which  conforms  to  the  blue  stone  of  the 
church.  The  base  of  the  building,  window  caps,  jambs 
and  mullions,  and  the  cornices  and  copings  of  the  gables 
are  of  Belleville  sandstone,  similar  to  that  used  in  the 
church.  The  entrance  is  in  the  court  on  the  east  side 
of  the  house  facing  the  church.  On  the  north  wall  of 
the  vestibule  is  a  bronze  tablet  with  this  inscription: 

This  Rectory 

was  built  and  given  to 

St.  Peter  s  Church 

by 

Jesse  W.  and  Sarah  B.  Potts 

In  loving  Memory  of 

'Their  Father  and  Mother 

Jesse  Charles  Potts 

and 

Eunice  Walker  Potts 

A.  D.  iSgs 

An  inner  door  opens  upon  a  hall  sixteen  and  a  half 
by  nineteen  feet,  from  which  an  elaborate  Gothic  stair- 
case ascends  to  the  upper  floors.  The  ceiling  and  floors 
of  this  and  of  all  the  rooms  on  the  first  floor  are  of  oak. 
Upon  the  State  Street   front,  extending  the  full  length 


438  Saint  Peter's  Church 

of  the  building  is  the  study,  a  room  twenty-four  by 
fifteen  and  a  half  feet.  On  the  other  side  of  the  hall  is 
a  dining  room  of  the  same  size  with  a  bay  window 
opening  on  the  court.  On  the  second  floor  are  the 
drawing  room  and  reception  room.  The  treatment  of 
the  interior  throughout  is  Gothic. 

On  Wednesday,  February  12,  1896,  a  service  of 
Benediction  of  the  memorial  rectory  was  said  by  the 
rector  in  the  presence  of  the  city  clergy  and  a  large 
number  of  parishioners.  Dean  Robbins  made  a  felici- 
tous address,  and  the  Hon.  Abraham  Lansing  on  behalf 
of  the  congregation  spoke  with  his  usual  grace,  wishing 
the  rector  and  his  family  many  years  of  peace  and 
happiness  in  their  new  home. 

In  July,  1895,  the  music  committee  had  the  organ 
revoiced,  renovated  and  completed  by  the  addition  of 
six  stops  which  had  been  provided  for  in  the  original 
scheme.  The  work  was  done  by  Cole  &  Woodbury 
of  Boston  under  the  supervision  of  Mr.  Michel,  an 
expert  in  organ  construction.  The  choir,  under  the 
training  of  Mr.  Rogers,  had  made  for  itself  a  reputation 
for  precision,  richness  and  purity  of  tone  which  gave 
it  rank  with  the  most  noted  choirs  of  the  country. 

Upon  February  23,  1897,  Mr.  Luther  H.  Tucker 
died.  The  vestry  placed  on  record  a  memorial  in  which 
Mr.  Tucker's  character  as  a  gentleman  of  honor  and 
integrity  and  his  work  in  the  editorship  of  'The 
Country  Gentleman,  founded  by  his  father,  are 
detailed.  Of  his  relation  to  St.  Peter's  it  is  said:  "For 
fifteen  years  he  had  been  a  member  of  this  Board,  con- 
stantly devoted  to  the  interests  of  St.  Peter's  Church, 
a  judicious  and  reliable  counsellor  in  its  affairs,  and  a 
ready  benefactor  in  its  needs." 


The  Present  Rectorship  439 

On  May  6,  1897,  the  Common  Council  of  the  City 
of  Albany  passed  a  resolution  protecting  and  preserving 
the  rights  of  the  corporation  of  St.  Peter's  Church  to 
what  is  commonly  known  as  "St.  Peter's  Church  lot" 
not  covered  by  its  buildings.  It  provided  that  such 
portions  "as  may  be  paved  in  conformity  with  the  grade 
of  said  streets  as  established  by  the  city  engineer"  shall 
be  regarded  as  so  paved  by  the  request  of  the  city,  and 
"no  rights  antagonistic  to  the  ownership  therein  of  said 
Church  corporation  as  given  by  said  grants  are  or  shall 
hereafter  at  any  time  be  acquired  by  the  city  or  public 
therein  and  subject  at  all  times  to  the  right  of  said 
Church  corporation  to  fence  the  same,  or  otherwise 
exclude  the  city  and  public  therefrom." 

On  November  15,  1897,  the  rector,  Mr.  Joseph  W. 
Tillinghast,  Mr.  Abraham  Lansing  and  Mr.  Jesse  W. 
Potts  were  appointed  a  committee  "to  arrange  for  and 
supervise  the  publication  of  the  History  of  St.  Peter's 
Church,  with  power  to  make  all  necessary  contracts  and 
arrangements  with  reference  thereto." 

The  library  originally  given  to  the  Sunday  School  by 
the  Hon.  John  V.  L.  Pruyn  in  memory  of  his  daughter 
Harriet  Catharine  Pruyn,  who  died  in  her  ninth  year 
on  February  25,  1858,  and  known  as  the  "Kittv  Pruyn 
Library,"  had  been  from  time  to  time  replenished  with 
books  by  gifts  from  members  of  the  family. 

On  March  5,  1898,  Mr.  John  V.  L.  Pruyn  sent  to 
the  rector  this  note  for  presentation  to  the  vestry : 

"Albany,  March  5,  1898. 

To  the  Vestry  of  St.  Peter's  Church : 

Gentlemen. — On  behalf  of  my  sisters,  Mrs.  Rice  and  Miss  Pruyn, 
and   in   behalf  of  myself,   it  gives   me  great   pleasure   to   hand   you  the 


440  Saint  Peter's  Church 

enclosed  deed  with  draft  for  twelve  hundred  dollars,  which  I  trust  you 
will  see  fit  to  accept  under  the  conditions  and  for  the  purposes  named  in 
said  deed  of  gift. 

Yours  very  truly, 

(Signed)  John  V.  L.  Pruyn." 

The  deed  of  gift  accompanying  this  note  made  a 
covenant  between  "John  V.  L.  Pruyn,  Harriet  L.  P. 
Rice,  Huybertie  Lansing  Pruyn,  all  of  the  city  and 
county  of  Albany  parties  of  the  first  part"  and  "the 
Rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  city  of  Albany  in  com- 
munion of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State 
of  New  York,  parties  of  the  second  part,"  by  which 
the  parties  of  the  first  part,  in  consideration  of  the  sum 
of  one  dollar,  transferred,  gave  and  forever  granted 
"the  principal  sum  of  twelve  hundred  dollars  gold  coin 
of  the  United  States  of  America"  with  the  condition 
that  it  should  be  properly  and  securely  invested  in 
interest  bearing  securities,  of  which  certain  classes  are 
indicated,  and  the  interest  applied  "to  the  general  uses 
of  the  Kitty  Pruyn  Library  of  the  Sunday  School  of 
St.  Peter's  Church." 

The  vestry  on  March  31,  1898,  accepted  the  trust, 
directed  that  the  rector  join  in  the  execution  of  the 
deed,  and  that  a  grateful  acknowledgment  of  the  gift  be 
made  to  the  donors  by  the  clerk  of  the  vestry. 

On  April  i,  1899,  the  Rev.  Paul  Birdsall  resigned 
the  curacy  to  take  the  rectorship  of  Grace  Church, 
Albany.  In  accepting  his  resignation,  the  rector  and 
vestry  expressed  their  appreciation  of  the  faithful  and 
efficient  services  rendered  by  him  in  the  parish,  through- 
out his  five  years  curacy.  In  April  of  the  same  year 
the  rector  invited  the  Rev.  Asa  Sprague  Ashley,  of  AH 
Saints'    Church,    Meriden,  Conn.,   to  become  curate  in 


The  Present  Rectorship  441 

St.  Peter's  Church.     Soon  after  Easter  he  entered  upon 
his  duties. 

On  May  26,  1899,  ^'"-  Joseph  W.  Tillinghast,  the 
senior  warden  of  the  parish,  after  a  long  illness,  entered 
into  rest.  At  a  special  meeting  of  the  vestry  on 
Saturday,  May  27,  the  vestry  adopted  an  appreciative 
memorial.  In  a  sermon  on  Trinity  Sunday,  May  28, 
Dr.  Battershall  spoke  of  the  life  and  example  of  Mr. 
Tillinghast  as  illustrating  his  theme,  "T'A^  Spiritual  Life 
in  the  Business  IV  or  Id.'' 

"He  was  a  man,  trained  in,  and  accustomed  to,  the 
conduct  of  affairs.  Men  recognized  his  knowledge  of 
business,  his  insight,  his  judgment,  his  force  of  will, 
his  grasp  of  outlines  and  details,  his  capacity  for  hard 
and  persistent  work.  These  qualities  made  him  a 
power  in  the  commercial  life  of  this  city.  To  the  love 
which  he  won  there  was  added  trust.  Men  discerned 
his  sincerity,  his  truthfulness,  his  absolute  integrity  of 
motive  and  deed.  He  stood  in  the  world  with  these 
qualities  not  loudly  professed,  but  silently  and  uncon- 
sciously declared.  They  were  the  fruitage  of  his  spiritual 
life.  He  was  the  only  survivor  of  the  vestry,  which 
twenty-five  years  ago  called  me  to  the  rectorship  of  this 
parish.  He  has  been  a  faithful  and  wise  custodian  of 
its  interests.  He  has  worked  for  it  and  given  to  it 
constantly  and  generously." 

At  a  special  election  held  onWednesday,  June  21,1899, 
Mr.  Robert  C.  Pruyn  was  chosen  a  warden  of  the  parish. 

On  Wednesday,  October  4,  1899,  the  Hon.  Abraham 
Lansing,  for  several  years  a  vestryman,  departed  this 
life.  On  the  following  day,  October  5,  1899,  ^^e 
vestry  met,  when  the  following  memorial  prepared  by 
the  rector  was  adopted: 


442  Saint  Peter's  Church 

'  'He  was  a  man  eminent  in  the  city  of  his  birth  and 
professional  career.  The  sweetness  and  largeness  of  his 
nature,  his  dignity  of  life,  his  affectionate  loyalty  and 
thoughtful  courtesy,  his  public  spirit  and  trained  intel- 
lectual power  won  the  love  and  respect  of  the  large  circle 
in  which  he  moved.  He  was  a  gentleman  in  the  finest 
and  highest  interpretation  of  the  word,  and  in  every 
relation  of  life  this  note  in  his  nature  was  recognized. 
He  moved  in  the  world  with  a  high  purpose,  and  his 
deed  reflected  his  purpose.  His  life  was  rich  in  friend- 
ships; but  we  who  shared  with  him  a  care  for  the  Church 
of  Christ  and  the  sacred  things  which  it  represents,  bear 
witness,  with  those  who  were  nearest  to  him,  how  dear 
to  him  were  those  sacred  things  and  how  absolutely  they 
shaped  his  character  and  life." 

At  the  same  meeting  IVIr.  Jesse  W.  Potts,  Col. 
William  G.  Rice,  Mr.  John  DeWitt  Peltz  and  Mr. 
Charles  L.  Pruyn,  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
arrange  for  a  suitable  observance  of  the  twenty-fifth 
anniversary  of  Dr.  Battershall's  rectorship.  Saturday, 
November  4th,  and  Sunday,  November  5th,  were  desig- 
nated for  the  commemoration. 

On  Saturday, November  4th,  at  eleven  o'clock,  the  first 
commemorative  service  was  held,  in  which  a  large  congre- 
gation, the  bishop  and  twenty-five  of  the  clergy  partic- 
ipated. The  processional  hymn  was  "Rise,  crowned 
with  light,  imperial  Salem,  rise."  Warwick  Jordan's 
festival  Te  Deuin  in  C  was  sung  as  an  introit.  The  bishop 
began  the  Communion  office.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Battershall 
read  the  Epistle  and  the  Very  Rev.  dean  Robbins  read 
the  Gospel.  The  music  of  the  Communion  office  was  the 
setting  of  Warwick  Jordan  in  E;  the  offertory  anthem 
being  Knox's  "I  was  glad  when   they  said  unto  me." 


f:.-'-' 


The  Rev.  Walton  W.  Battershall,  D.D. 

Rector  of  St.  Peter's,  1874- 
Fr'jm    Photogrnph,  l8()(^ 


The  Present  Rectorship  443 

The  bishop  preached  the  sermon  from  the  text 
Acts  XX,  28,  and  I  St.  Peter  v,  i,  2.  After  showing 
the  connection  between  these  two  passages  he  announced 
as  his  theme:  "The  three  conspicuous  personalities 
which  this  service  calls  to  our  minds — the  apostles,  the 
elders,  the  flock,  or,  as  we  phrase  it  now,  the  Bishop, 
the  Rector,  the  Parish." 

He  thus  alluded  to  his  own  memories  of  St.  Peter's: 
"I  cannot  stand  in  the  pulpit  of  this  great  parish  with- 
out remembering  and  realizing  that  it  was  through  my 
relationship  with  St.  Peter's  that  I  came  to  be  the  bishop 
of  its  diocese;  that  it  was  in  this  church  that  the  lot, 
which  I  believe  is  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  fell  upon 
me,  and,  in  this  church,  that  the  hands  were  laid  upon 
me  which  set  me  apart  to  the  high  and  awful  responsi- 
bilty  of  a  bishop  in  the  church  of  God." 

In  closing  his  sermon  he  said: 

"It  is  to  bear  testimony  to  facts  like  these  that  we 
are  gathered  here  to-day.  Such  permanent  pastorates 
are  bright  and  shining  instances  in  the  shifting,  restless 
changefulness  of  our  American  life.  And  as  a  bishop 
in  a  diocese  beset  beyond  most  dioceses  with  the 
changes  and  chances  of  ecclesiastical  life,  I  thank  God 
for  what  it  means;  and  I  come,  as  a  sharer  in  the  bene- 
fits and  blessings  of  the  accumulated  values  of  all  these 
years,  to  add  the  assurance  of  my  congratulations  to  the 
pastor,  for  all  the  tokens  of  love  and  honor  which  he 
has  richly  won." 

In  the  evening  the  Parish  House  was  crowded  at  a 
reception  given  to  the  rector  by  the  ladies  of  the  parish. 
The  tables  were  bright  with  lights  and  flowers.  At 
nine  o'clock  the  rector  and  the  senior  warden  ascended 
the  platform.      In  a  few  graceful  words  Mr.  Theodore 


444  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Townsend  said  that  the  happy  duty  had  fallen  to  him  of 
reading  the  address  of  congratulation  from   the  vestry. 

"Feast  of  St.  Michael  and  All  Angels. 
(September  29th,  1899.) 
The  Rev.  Walton  W.  Battershall,  D.  D., 

Rector  of  St.  Peter  s  Church, 

Albany,  N.  Y. 
"Dear  Doctor   Battershall: 

The  members  of  the  vestry  beg  respectfully  to  tender 
to  you  their  sincere  and  cordial  congratulations  on  this 
twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  your  Rectorship  of  this 
historic  Church,  and  while  extending  to  you,  dear  sir, 
their  hearty  expressions  of  personal  afltection  and  regard, 
they  are  impressed  very  deeply  with  the  grateful  appre- 
ciation which  is  entertained  by  every  member  of  this 
Parish  for  the  great  benefit  which  you  have  rendered  to 
it  in  your  ministry. 

"While  many  who  met  you  at  your  coming  here  with 
kindly  greetings  have  left  us  for  the  higher  life,  yet 
these  years  have  witnessed  great  growth  in  the  number 
of  the  parishioners. 

"Large  improvements  have  been  made  in  the  property 
of  the  Church  by  the  addition  of  the  chaste  and  com- 
fortable Rectory,  the  erection  of  the  noble  tower  with 
its  musical  chimes,  the  completion  of  the  Church  edifice 
itself,  and  its  adornment  with  so  many  loving  and 
artistic  memorials,  making  indeed  very  beautiful  this 
temple  of  our  God. 

"While  this  growth  and  these  great  temporal  improve- 
ments have  been  made,  you,  dear  sir,  have  endeared 
yourself  more  and  more  to  the  hearts  of  this  people  by 
your  fidelity  and  devotion. 


The  Present  Rectorship  445 

"Your  eloquence  in  expounding  the  Word  of  God, 
making  plain  the  way  of  life,  has  enlightened  and  inter- 
ested them  in  all  spiritual  things. 

"In  their  seasons  of  joy,  your  participation  and  com- 
panionship have  increased  their  happiness;  while  in  sea- 
sons of  sickness  and  sorrow  your  tender  sympathies  and 
loving  ministrations  have  awakened  their  heart's  best  love 
and  have  brought  comfort  and  peace  in  their  afflictions. 
"The  experiences  and  recollections  of  the  past  serve  to 
knit  us  all  in  kindred  fellowship  and  love  to  you ;  and 
with  our  best  and  most  sincere  wishes  for  your  continual 
happiness  and  our  earnest  prayers  that  the  good  Lord 
will  crown  you  in  all  the  days  which  are  to  come  with 
His  richest  blessing, 

We  are  affectionately  your  friends, 

Theodore  Townsend, 
Robert  C.  Pruyn, 
Thomas  S.  Wiles, 
William  G.  Rice, 
John  T.  Perry, 
John  DeWitt  Peltz, 
Jesse  W.  Potts, 
Charles  L.  Pruyn." 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  address  Mr.  Townsend  said: 
"And  now,  my  dear  friend,  at  the  request  of  these  good 
ladies,  to  all  of  whom  we  are  so  much  indebted,  and  who 
with  so  much  enthusiasm  have  kindly  gathered  in  from 
our  people  loving  tokens  of  their  regard,  I  beg  your 
acceptance  from  them  of  this  loving  cup  with  all  its 
suggestions  of  their  affection,  together  with  the  material 
evidence  of  their  friendship,  so  modestly  and  briefly 
referred  to  in  the  accompanying  letter  to  which  their 
names  are  attached." 


446  Saint  Peter's  Church 

He  then  placed  in  the  hands  of  Dr.  Battershall  a 
massive  loving  cup  of  hammered  silver  and  a  cheque 
for  thirty-five  hundred  dollars,  the  gift  of  over  two 
hundred  members  of  the  parish,  with  a  list  of  the  donors. 

In  his  response  Dr.  Battershall  said  in  substance: 
"This  cup,  so  beautiful  in  its  design,  can  not  hold  the 
love  which  you  have  shown  me  from  the  day,  twenty- 
five  years  ago,  when  I  first  came  among  you.  If  I  have 
done  anything  it  is  because  I  have  all  along  felt  the 
uplift  of  your  hands  underneath  my  hands.  Nor  can 
this  cup  contain  the  full  measure  of  the  love  which  I 
have  for  you,  the  gratitude  and  joy  which  come  to 
me  on  every  remembrance  of  you.  I  shall  treasure, 
and  my  children  after  me  will  treasure,  this  mark  of 
your  esteem  and  love,  and  generous  recognition  of  the 
tie  between  pastor  and  people.  May  God  bless  you 
and  give  you  His  best  gifts." 

The  gathering  was  one  of  marked  interest  and  signifi- 
cance.     The    address    of    the    vestry    was     beautifully 
engrossed  and  the  cover  emblazoned  with   the  arms  of 
the  parish.      Upon  the  loving  cup  was  this  inscription : 
Rev.  Walton  W.  Battershall,  D.  D. 
from  his  grateful  people 
on  the  'Twenty  Fifth  Anniversary 
of  his  devoted  work  as 
Rector  of  St.  Peter  s  Church, 
1874  Albany,  N.  Y.  i8gg 

On  Sunday,  November  5th,  the  second  commemora- 
tive service  was  held.  The  rector  was  celebrant  and 
preacher.  The  sermon  was  from  the  text:  "For  what 
thanks  can  we  render  to  God  again  for  you,  for  all  the  joy 
wherewith  we  joy  for  your  sakes  before  our  God." — 
I  Thess.  iii,   9. 


The  Present  Rectorship  447 

After  speaking  of  the  tendency  of  mankind  to  meas- 
ure the  years  by  the  pain  and  struggle  in  them,  and 
the  dominant  note  of  joy  that  ran  through  the  ministry 
of  St.  Paul,  among  other  things,  the  rector  said: 

"On  this  commemoration,  where  there  is  so  much  to 
say  that  is  deeper  and  more  vital,  you  will  not  expect 
me  to  occupy  your  time  with  statistics.  Of  course,  the 
work  of  the  parish  has  been  conducted  and  the  congre- 
gation has  duly  contributed  to  the  expenses  of  the  parish 
and  the  general  work  of  the  church.  For  this,  neither 
you  nor  I  can  claim  more  than  the  ordinary  credit  which 
is  earned  by  the  discharge  of  ordinary  duties. 

"You  would  not  forgive  me,  however,  if  I  failed  to 
speak  to-day  of  a  work  which  has  fallen  within  this 
quarter  of  a  century,  but  with  which  most  of  us  have 
only  the  relation  that  is  given  us  by  our  love  and  rever- 
ence for  the  names  of  those  who  did  the  work. 

"I  can  speak  without  reserve,  for  in  no  real  sense  is 
the  work  my  own.  In  the  first  place,  the  noble  edifice, 
which  we  received  as  an  inheritance,  suggested  and  gave 
its  accents  to  the  work.  The  history  of  this  building 
shows  the  economic  value  and  suggestive  power  of  good 
architecture  in  the  structural  lines  of  a  church.  In  the 
second  place,  the  completion  and  embellishment  of  the 
edifice,  in  large  measure,  has  been  due  to  the  desire  and 
purpose  of  the  congregation  of  St.  Peter's  to  build  into 
the  walls  of  this  church,  memorials  of  sanctified  love 
and  memory. 

:■:  :H  li:  *  *  *  *  * 

"In  the  sacristy  of  Notre  Dame,  the  venerable 
cathedral  of  Paris,  they  show  the  tourist  the  death  mask 
of  Archbishop  Affre,  and  the  bullet  by  which   he   was 


448  Saint  Peter's  Church 

murdered  as  he  advanced  toward  a  street  barricade  with 
a  token  of  peace  to  the  insurgents  of  1848.  The  arch- 
bishop, as  he  died,  murmured  the  words:  'The  Good 
Shepherd  giveth  his  life  for  the  sheep.'  Divine  and 
enduring  mark  of  the  priest  in  the  Church  of  Christ! 
If  the  need  come,  he  must,  in  very  deed  and  in  literal 
interpretation,  give  his  life  for  the  sheep.  All  history 
and  the  annals  of  the  day  bear  the  red  crosses  of  priestly 
immolations.  The  arrogant  or  the  pampered  priest  has 
missed  the  distinctive  token  of  his  priesthood — the 
wound-mark  of  Christ. 

"But  it  is  not  necessary  to  die  in  order  to  give  your 
life.  There  is  a  costlier  expenditure  than  death.  The 
essence  of  life  is  love,  and  the  sympathy  which  love 
begets.  To  give  one's  life  for  others  is  to  work  for 
them  lovingly.  Thus  every  true  priest  gives  his  life 
for  the  sheep." 

On  Monday  afternoon,  November  6th,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Enos,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Troy,  entertained 
the  "Clericus"  of  Albany  and  Troy  at  luncheon  in  St. 
Paul's  Parish  House.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Battershall  was 
the  guest  of  honor.  After  the  luncheon  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Enos,  in  behalf  of  the  Clericus,  presented  Dr.  Batter- 
shall,  in  an  appreciative  address,  a  copy  of  the  "Temple 
Shakespeare"  in  a  morocco  case  suitably  inscribed. 

The  commemorative  services  were  brilliant  in  their 
musical  features  and  gave  expression  to  the  young  and 
vigorous  life  of  the  venerable  parish.  It  was  an  occa- 
sion unique  in  the  annals  of  St.  Peter's,  and  was  an 
augury  of  a  history  in  the  future  as  rich,  honorable 
and  fruitful,  as  that  we  have  surveyed  through  nearly 
two  centuries  of  work  devoted  to  the  glory  of  God 
and  the  upbuilding  of  His  Church. 


CHAPTER  XV 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  EDIFICE 
By  the  Rector,  the  Rev.  Walton  W.  Battershall,  D.  D. 


The   First  St.    Peter's 

THE  present  edifice  is  the  third  in  the  history  of  the 
parish.  The  first  was  built  in  17 15.  It  was  a 
stone  structure  measuring  forty-two  by  fifty-eight  feet 
and  stood  a  block  below  the  site  of  the  present  church. 
The  land  for  the  first  edifice  was  granted  by  letters 
patent  from  the  Crown,  and  the  building  was  erected 
under  the  supervision  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  Barclay, 
inissionary  to  the  Mohawks  and  chaplain  to  the  English 
garrison  at  Albany.  Above  the  church,  on  an  abrupt 
eminence  which  has  since  been  levelled  to  the  gradual 
ascent  to  the  Capitol,  stood  Fort  Frederick,  which  rep- 
resented the  English  sovereignty  in  the  province,  and 
whose  northeast  bastion  extended  over  the  site  of  the 
porch  of  the  present  St.  Peter's. 

The  little  church  under  the  shadow  of  the  fort  was 
the  first  house  of  worship  of  the  Anglican  Communion 
north  of  New  York  and  west  of  the  Hudson.  It  stood 
in  the  middle  of  the  street  like  a  rock  in  the  midst  of 
a  brook  tumbling  down  the  flank  of  a  mountain.  On 
either  side  of  the  church  ran  the  street,  pressing  apart 
the  two  lines  of  Dutch  gables  which  straggled  down  the 
hill  till  it  approached  the  river  bank,  where  stood  the 
old  Dutch  church,  which  again  divided  its  current. 
These    ancient    landmarks  in    the    colonial    history    of 

29 


450  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Albany — the  two  obliterated  churches — account  for  the 
grand  and  spacious  thoroughfare  which  now  climbs  the 
hill  and  sweeps  around  the  Capitol. 

The  Present  Edifice,   Style  of  Architecture 

In  1790  the  site  of  the  present  edifice  was  deeded  to 
the  parish  by  the  City  of  Albany  in  exchange  for  the 
site  on  which  the  first  church  stood  in  the  middle  of  the 
street  and,  in  1802,  the  last  year  of  the  rectorship  of 
the  Rev.  Thomas  Ellison,  the  second  St.  Peter's  was 
built.  It  was  considered  a  notable  example  of  the  style 
of  architecture  which  prevailed  at  the  period.  In  1859, 
in  the  rectorship  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  Clapp  Pit- 
kin, D.D.,  the  second  edifice  "was  demolished,  and  on 
St.  Peter's  day,  the  29th  of  June  in  that  year,  the 
foundation  stone  of  the  present  structure  was  laid. 
The  building  was  designed  by  Richard  Upjohn,  the 
distinguished  architect  of  Trinity  and  St.  Thomas' 
churches.  New  York,  city,  and  with  the  exception  of 
the  vestry  room,  which  was  placed  on  the  west  instead 
of  the  east  side  of  the  chancel,  and  the  tower  which  was 
carried  only  to  the  eaves  of  the  nave,  the  church  was 
built  in  exact  accordance  with  the  design  of  the  architect. 

The  dimensions  are:  length,  136  feet;  breadth,  68 
feet;  height,  64  feet.  The  style  of  architecture  is  the 
decorated  Gothic,  of  the  French  rather  than  the  English 
type.  Its  French  characteristics  appear  in  the  height  of 
the  nave  and  aisles,  the  apsidal  chancel,  the  mouldings 
and  curve  of  the  arches,  and  especially  the  details  of 
the  completed  tower.  The  design  is  learned,  without 
suggestion  of  imitation  or  trace  of  academic  formality, 
and  the  edifice  in  every  feature  shows  conscientious  and 
sympathetic   study   of  what   is  generally  considered  the 


St.  Peter  s  Church 

Extt-rior,  j8<po 


in.!  v\     (.<:•■'  u.' 


iie    Re 


.  aCHlTJIv 


rship  of 


Thomas' 
•T    the 


ave,  th  was 


asidtrtki  CJ.. 


m 


c^^ 


Description  of  the  Edifice  451 

best  period  in  the  development  of  Gothic  architecture; 
the  point  which  marks  the  equipoise  between  its  growth 
and  decline. 

Gothic  is  not  the  only  type  of  Christian  architecture, 
but  the  best  forms  of  Gothic  undoubtedly  express  more 
perfectly  than  the  Grecian  or  the  Romanesque,  the 
faith  and  aspiration  of  Christianity.  In  good  Gothic, 
however,  the  constructive  and  decorative  lines  must 
suggest,  not  only  emotion  but  power,  not  only  sponta- 
neity but  reserve.  The  language  of  the  pointed  arch, 
must  be  associated  with  an  impression  of  mass  and 
height;  and  it  is  by  this  association  that  the  architect  of 
St.  Peter's  has  given  to  his  structure  its  singular  dig- 
nity and  profound  religious  feeling.  The  comparative 
shallowness  of  the  chancel  is  obviously  due  to  the  limi- 
tations of  the  lot,  which,  though  it  extends  from  street 
to  street,  is  not  quite  deep  enough  for  the  full  propor- 
tions of  a  church  of  this  magnitude.  This  however, 
touches  a  point  of  practical  convenience,  rather  than  of 
architectural  aesthetics.  The  interior  gives  the  impres- 
sion of  perfect  proportion  and  the  solemnity  which  is 
breathed  from  noble  spaces  and  lines  designed  with 
devout  skill  and  purpose. 

Exterior   of  the   Edifice 

The  material  employed  in  the  construction  of  the 
walls  is  the  Schenectady  blue  stone,  whose  natural  cleav- 
age by  exposure  to  the  weather  has  taken  a  tint  of 
green. 

The  decorative  features  of  the  walls,  the  doorways 
and  window  openings  with  their  double  mullions  and 
geometrical  traceries,  are  cut  from  the  brown  sandstone 
of  New  Jersey.      The  combination   of  the  two  varieties 


452  Saint  Peter's  Church 

of  stone  has  resulted  in  fine  harmonies  and  accents  of 
color.  The  deeply  recessed  and  richly  moulded  arch 
enclosing  the  double  portal  of  the  church,  and  the  win- 
dows of  the  aisles,  clerestory  and  apse,  give  to  the  body 
of  the  edifice  its  decorative  points  and  its  architectural 
interest.  The  broad,  well-projected  buttresses  between 
the  large  windows  of  the  aisles  suggest  mass  and  strength. 
Before  the  completion  of  the  tower,  perhaps  the  most 
attractive  feature  of  the  exterior  was  the  polygonal 
apse,  whose  walls,  rising  to  an  unusual  height,  are 
pierced  by  six  lancet  windows,  each  of  which  is  bisected 
by  a  slender  mullion  and  crowned  with  elaborate 
tracery. 

The   Memorial  Tower 

The  design  of  the  architect  included  a  tower  which, 
at  the  building  of  the  church,  was  carried  to  the  height 
of  fifty-six  feet  and,  at  that  point,  provided  with  a  tem- 
porary roof.  The  tower  as  originally  sketched  was 
massive  but  severely  plain.  It  did  nothing  to  fulfill, 
indeed  it  was  hardly  in  accord  with,  the  architecture  of 
the  body  of  the  edifice.  Evidently  the  design  was  more 
or  less  controlled  by  considerations  of  expense,  and 
doubtless  it  was  owing  to  these  considerations,  that  the 
church  for  fifteen  years  stood  with  its  truncated  tower. 
The  tower  as  it  stands,  was  erected  in  1876  as  a  memo- 
rial to  Mr.  John  Tweddle  by  the  munificence  of  his 
wife  and  children,  Mrs.  Joseph  Wilbur  Tillinghast  and 
Miss  Anna  Eliza  Tweddle.  It  was  designed  by  Mr. 
Richard  M.  Upjohn,  and  constructed  by  Messrs. 
Ellin  &  Co.  of  New  York.  At  the  benediction  of  the 
tower,  the  vestry  placed  in  the  Tower-Room  a  tablet 
which  bears  the  following  inscription: 


Description  of  the  Edifice  453 

This  Tower  from  the 

eave  of  the  Nave  was  built  in  the 

year  of  Our  Lord  i8y6. 

To  the  Glory  of  God 

and  in  memory  of  his  faithful  servant 

John  Tweddle; 

Sometime  Warden  of  this  Parish. 

He  entered  into  Rest,  March 

gth,  18 J ^  and,  by  the  bounty 

of  his  Wife  and  Children, 

this  Monument  completes 

and  adorns  the  Sanctuary 

he  loved. 

"And  Jacob  set  up  a  pillar  in 

the  place  where  He  talked 

with  him;  even  a  pillar  of  stone J'^ 

Gen.  XXXV.  14. 

This  tablet  was  erected  by  the  Rector  and  Congregation 
of  St.  Peter  s  Church,  at  the  Dedication  of  the  Tower  on  the 
Festival  of  St.  Michael  and  All  Angels,  A.  D.  18 j6. 

The  completed  tower  is  one  of  the  most  elaborate 
and  impressive  examples  of  the  decorated  French 
Gothic  on  the  continent.  Its  architectural  value  is 
such  that  it  justifies  a  detailed  description.  It  is  a  mas- 
sive shaft  about  twenty  feet  square  bearing  on  its  salient 
angle  a  projecting  octagon  which  carries  a  spiral  stair- 
case. The  total  height  from  base  to  cross  is  one  hun- 
dred and  eighty  feet.  The  architecture  of  the  tower  is 
essentially  that  of  the   church.      Its   French   character, 


454  Saint  Peter's  Church 

however,  is  more  strongly  accentuated,  and  its  decorative 
details  are  much  richer  and  more  striking.  From  the 
ground  to  the  height  of  about  seventy-five  feet,  the 
massive  shaft  is  treated  with  extreme  simplicity,  the 
blue  stone  ashler  being  relieved  by  occasional  bands  and 
small  windows  encased  in  brown  sandstone.  At  the 
height  of  seventy-five  feet  a  series  of  deeply  recessed 
arches   nine  feet  in   height  encircles  the  entire    tower. 

Above  this  decorated  girdle  in  brown  stone,  is  the 
belfry,  thirty  feet  in  height.  Each  of  its  four  faces  is 
pierced  with  three  lancet  windows,  separated  by  richly 
moulded  shafts  and  crowned  by  arches  whose  mouldings 
rest  on  sculptured  heads.  This  group  of  lofty  lancets, 
with  their  elaborate  treatment  of  shaft  and  capital  and 
arch,  is  the  most  important  and  beautiful  feature  of  the 
tower.  The  carving  of  the  capitals  is  continued  around 
the  octagon  and  the  three  other  angles  of  the   structure. 

The  belfry  is  surmounted  by  a  heavily  moulded 
parapet  about  eight  feet  in  height,  pierced  with  arched 
openings  and  resting  upon  a  broad  band  of  foliage  carved 
with  great  vigor  and  boldness,  which  girdles  the  tower 
and  from  which,  at  each  of  the  three  exposed  angles,  pro- 
jects a  huge  gargoyle.  These  gargoyles  stretch  out  their 
winged,  griffin-like  forms  and  tiger-like  heads  to  the 
north,  east  and  west,  projecting  about  eight  feet  beyond 
the  body  of  the  tower.  They  are  striking  and  effective 
features  in  its  decorative  treatment,  and  give  it  unique 
character.  They  constitute  the  largest  stones  used  in 
its  construction,  the  weight  of  each  gargoyle  being  three 
tons.  The  bat-like  wings  are  folded  back  and  ingen- 
iously conceal  the  massive  butt  of  stone  set  in  the  walls 
to  counterbalance  the  projecting  body  of  the  sculptured 
monster. 


Description  of  the  Edifice  455 

Tiiese  gargoyles,  which  in  general  outline  resemble 
those  on  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Vienna,  reproduce 
one  of  the  most  remarkable  traits  of  Mediaeval 
Gothic;  the  fantastic  and  grotesque  element  which  lay 
close  to,  and  was  interblended  with,  its  exquisite  expres- 
sions of  aspiration  and  prayer.  They  represent  the 
bestial  and  demoniac  forces  which  haunt  the  soul  and 
assail  its  higher  life.  This  probably  was  the  thought 
of  the  sculptors  of  the  old  cathedrals,  when  they  carved 
contorted  shapes  and  malignant  faces  on  the  eaves  and 
towers  of  the  shrine  where  the  higher  life  finds  its  shelter. 

The  meaning  of  the  gargovles  which  project  over 
the  belfry  of  St.  Peter's  also  interprets  the  fantastic 
animal  forms  and  the  grotesque  human  faces  which 
decorate  the  salient  points  in  the  upper  stages  of  the 
tower.  These  sculptures  show  great  imaginative  force 
and  artistic  skill  and,  while  one  can  get  their  full  value 
only  as  he  climbs  the  spiral  stairway  to  the  roof  of  the 
tower,  they  give  to  the  structure  from  even  distant 
points  of  view,  richness  and  picturesque  interest.  At 
each  angle  of  the  parapet  and  directly  over  the  gargoyles 
rises  a  square  turret.  On  the  main  angle,  on  the  corner 
of  the  street,  the  staircase  octagon  is  continued  sixty 
feet  above  the  roof  of  the  tower  and  is  surmounted  by 
a  stone  spire  of  exceeding  gracefulness,  which  ends  with 
a  massive  finial,  bearing  in  gilded  iron  the  double  cross 
of  Holland. 

The   Bells 

By  the  generosity  of  George  Tweddle,  the  belfry  was 
equipped  with  a  Chime  of  eleven  bells,  which  were  cast 
in  the  foundry  of  Meneely  &  Kimberly,  Troy,  N.  Y. 
The   bells   are   perfectly   attuned   and    their    combined 


456  Saint  Peter's  Church 

weight  is  six  tons.  The  following  is  a  statement  of  the 
tones  and  weights  of  the  bells  composing  the  Chime: 
E  flat,  3,150  pounds;  F,  2,150  pounds;  G,  1,600 
pounds;  A  flat,  1,250  pounds;  B  flat,  850  pounds; 
C,  600  pounds,  D  flat,  500  pounds;  D,  450  pounds; 
E  flat,  400  pounds;  F,  300  pounds;  G,  250  pounds. 
The  aggregate  weight  of  the  bells  is  11,500  pounds. 
The  Inscriptions  on  the  bells  are  as  follows: 

Great  E   Flat  Bell 
John  Tweddle. 
"Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem.      They  shall  prosper  that  love  TheeJ" 
"Gloria  in  Excelsis  Deo." 
This  chime  of  bells  was  given  to  St.  Peter  s 
Church,  Albany,  N.  T.,  by  George  Tweddle, 
Christmas,  i8y^,  in  memory  of  his  father 
and  mother,  John  and  Sarah  Tweddle. 


F    Bell 

Mrs.  Sarah  Tweddle. 
'Enter  into  His  gates  with  thanksgiving  and  into  His  courts  with  praise.^' 


G  Bell 

George  Tweddle. 

"To  tell  of  Thy  loving  kindness  early  in  the  morning,  and  of  Thy  truth 

in  the  night  season." 


A  Flat  Bell 
Mrs.  Mary  Tweddle. 

"  Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit ;  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven." 


Description  of  the  Edifice  457 

B   Flat  Bell 

G.  Robert  Tweddle. 

'  Blessed  are  they  that  mourn;  for  they  shall  be  comforted.^' 


C  Bell 

J.  Boyd  Tweddle. 

■■  Blessed  are  the  meek;  for  they  shall  inherit  the  earth:' 


D   Flat  Bell 
H.  Arnold  Tweddle. 

"  Blessed  are  they  which  do  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness;  for 
they  shall  be  filled:' 


D   Bell 

George  Tweddle,  Jr. 
"  Blessed  are  the  merciful;  for  they  shall  obtain  mercy:' 


E   Flat  Bell 

Mary  F.  Tweddle. 

"  Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart ;  for  they  shall  see  God:' 


F   Bell 
Rev.  Walton  W.  Battershall,  Rector  of  St.  Peter  3. 

■  Blessed  are  the  peace-makers ;  for  they  shall  be   called   the  children 

of  God:' 


458  Saint  Peter's  Church 

G   Bell 

"  Blessed  are  they  which  are  persecuted  for  righteousness  sake;  for  theirs 
is  the  kingdom  of  heaven  J" 


The  Old  Bell 

Sharing  the  belfry  with  the  Chime,  but  not  forming 
part  of  it,  is  the  bell  which  swung  in  the  steeple  of  the 
first  St.  Peter's  Church  and  summoned  to  divine  service 
the  garrison  of  the  Fort,  the  people  of  the  little  frontier 
city,  and  the  Indians  encamped  outside  the  "palisa- 
does, "  who  had  come  out  of  the  forest  for  barter  or  to 
brighten  the  links  of  the  "Covenant  Chain"  between 
the  Province  and  the  six  tribes  of  the  Iroquois  Confed- 
eracy. This  interesting  relic  of  olden  days,  incorrectly 
called  the  "Oueen  Anne  Bell,"  bears  in  raised  charac- 
ters the  following  inscription: 

St.  Peter  s  Churchy  Albany  lysi.     Minister,  J.  Ogilvie. 
J.  Stevenson,  E.  Collins,  Church  Wardens. 

Its  thin  voice,  somewhat  cracked,  strikes  the  numer- 
als of  the  new  year  in  the  midnight  chimes  on  New 
Year's  Eve. 

The   Interior 

It  is  in  its  interior  effects  that  the  building  chiefly 
declares  its  devotional  values.  As  one  enters  the  por- 
tal, there  is  thrown  over  him  a  spell  which  compels  rev- 
erent thought.  It  seems  as  if  the  noises  of  the  world 
were  hushed  in  the  large,  silent  spaces,  and  the  glare  of 
the  sun  had  lost  its  power  to  allure  or  to  irritate  in  the 
calm  twilights.  The  whole  atmosphere  and  tone  sug- 
gest  mystery   and   worship.      It   is   difficult  to  instance 


Interior  of  St.  Peter  s  Church,  iSgg 


V.\'i!l'  \<i  Wn'a^vd 


Description  of  the  Edifice  459 

any  specific  feature  which  dominates  in  this  devotional 
effect.  The  height  of  the  chancel,  the  spaciousness  of 
the  nave,  the  dignity  of  the  architectural  lines,  the  har- 
mony of  color  in  the  decorative  treatment;  all  contribute 
to  the  sense  of  vastness  and  solemnity,  which  is 
enhanced  by  the  chastened  light  that  takes  the  dyes  of 
the  rich  coloring  in  the  windows. 

From  the  foot  of  the  broad  alley  of  the  nave,  the  eye 
is  impressed  by  the  most  important  structural  feature  of 
the  interior — the  series  of  arches  sustaining  the  cleres- 
tory, and  rising  from  massive  octagonal  stone  columns 
with  that  fine  curve,  which  lies  between  an  undue 
depression  and  an  undue  sharpness  of  apex.  The  intri- 
cate tracery  of  the  roof  gives  a  vague  sense  of  richness, 
but  its  details  are  lost  in  shadow.  The  vision  is  carried 
along  the  noble  curves  of  the  arches  of  the  nave,  and 
rests  on  the  altar  surmounted  and  engirdled  by  the  lofty 
windows  of  the  apse. 

In  1885  important  changes  were  made  in  the  Chancel 
and  its  environment.  The  altar  originally  stood  in  the 
chord  of  the  apse  and  the  choir  occupied  the  gallery 
over  the  porch  of  the  Church.  In  the  year  mentioned 
the  present  altar  and  reredos  were  built  into  the  east 
wall  of  the  chancel,'  the  north  wall  of  the  chancel  and 
the  wall  at  the  terminus  of  the  north  aisle  were  pierced 
with  the  arches  of  the  organ  chamber,  and  the  choir 
room  was  built  with  reference  to  the  introduction  of  a 
surpliced  choir. 

In  the  same  year,  the  walls  of  the  interior  were  deco- 
rated under  the  supervision  of  Mr.  Robert  W.  Gibson, 
architect  of   All   Saints'    Cathedral.      The  decoration  is 

'  We  indicate  the  points  of  the  compass  in  their  ecclesiological  inter- 
pretation. 


460  Saint  Peter's  Church 

thoroughly  Gothic  in  its  spirit  and  detail.  The  back- 
ground of  color  is  a  rich  yellow,  which  furnishes  a  good 
reflecting  surface,  required  by  the  dim  light  of  the 
interior.  The  decorative  treatment  gives  warmth  and 
relief  to  the  walls  and  strictly  conforms  to  the  architec- 
tural lines  of  the  building.  It  has  the  grace  of  quiet- 
ness, temperance  and  unsensuousness,  and  carries  into 
color  the  subtle  harmonies  of  the  structure. 

The  basis  of  the  design  for  the  decoration  of  the 
chancel  was  furnished  by  Messrs.  Clayton  &  Bell  of 
London,  but  its  details  received  judicious  modifications 
from  Mr.  Gibson.  The  treatment  of  the  walls  beneath 
the  chancel  windows  is  provisional  and  is  intended 
ultimately  to  be  replaced  by  colored  marble  or  mosaic. 
The  decoration  is  rich  in  symbolism  and  deepens  in 
splendor  as  it  approaches  the  altar,  which  stands  with 
its  emphasized  treatment  as  the  dominant  feature  and 
explanation  of  the  edifice. 

The  Memorial  Altar  and  Reredos 

The  Altar  and  Reredos  were  erected  in  1885.  They 
were  designed  by  Mr.  Richard  M.  Upjohn,  and,  with 
the  exception  of  the  sculptured  angels,  the  work  was 
executed  by  Messrs.  Ellin  &  Co.  of  New  York.  The 
material  employed  is  Caen  stone  and  the  type  of  archi- 
tecture is  the  decorated  Gothic  of  the  church.  The 
Altar  is  raised  from  the  floor  of  the  nave  by  seven  stone 
steps,  three  of  which  form  the  ascent  from  the  Sanctuary 
pavement.  It  is  eight  feet,  three  inches  in  length,  and 
the  front  is  deeply  recessed  by  round  arches,  which  are 
supported  by  columns  of  tinted  marble  and  enclose 
symbolic  sculpture.  The  Reredos,  with  its  massive 
buttresses,  defines   the   central   plane   of   the    polyginal 


f-^^^^^.W" 


The  Pruyn  Memorial  Altar  and  Reredos 
1885 


•ter's 


v-'in.a  Cil 


th< 


and  d' 


walls  and 

*he  building.      It 


warmth  and 

;>  to  the  architec- 

of  quiet- 

^  '   •■•■-: "  '.iiu   u.irries   into 

:cure. 
n  for  the  decoration  of  the 
Med   by   Messrs.  Clayton  &:  Bell  of 


the    chancel    v  o'orsi    ?id    i^  iiitended 

:o  be  replnced  bv  r  c   or   mosaic. 


ultimately  to 

The  decoration  is  ric 


exi 


V.'°' 


c;ns  m 
'.  with 

:  e  and 


Memorial -A-  Reredo 

d  Rere^-  .  ..a  in  i88v      -  "^v 

y  Mr.  i.  Upjohn,  and,  with 

of  the  -ed  angels,  the  work,  was 

xecutcd  b  &.  Co.  York.     The 

'  'neaiju  ■"  "  of  archi- 

ve of  h.      The 

mm  the  floor  of  the  n:  ven  ston. 

>v;cp-,  h  form  the  ascent  f:  Sanctuary 


Reredos,   with    its    ni 
if  the 


Description  of  the  Edifice  461 

apse,  and  its  apex  lifts  its  cross  against  the  base  of  the 
central  lancet  of  the  chancel.  It  bears  on  its  salient 
points  interesting  bits  of  sculpture;  but  the  chief  sculp- 
tural feature  are  two  angels,  designed  in  high  relief, 
with  outspread  wings,  kneeling  above  the  retable  in 
adoration  of  the  cross,  which  forms  the  background  of 
the  Reredos.  These  devout  and  beautiful  figures  were 
modelled  by  Mr.  Louis  St.  Gaudens  in  the  studio  of 
his  brother,  Auguste,  and  are  a  significant  product  of 
recent  religious  art.  The  north  buttress  of  the  Reredos 
bears  the  following  Inscription: 

To  the  glory  of  God  and  in  sacred  and  loving 

memory  of  Elizabeth  McClintock  Pruyn, 

Born  Oct.  Jist.  i8^j,  evermore  at  Rest 

Dec.  20th,  1SS4. 

The  south  buttress  is  inscribed: 

And  we  also  bless  Thy  Holy  Name  for  all  thy  servants 
departed  this  life  in  thy  faith  and  fear;  beseeching  Thee  to 
give  us  grace  so  to  follow  their  good  examples,  that  with 
than,  we  may  be  partakers  of  Thy  heavenly  kingdom. 

The  Altar  Cross 

The  brass  Cross  on  the  retable  is  an  earlier  memorial 
and  bears  the  Inscription: 

In  Memory  of  Mary  Ada  Pierson,  Easter,  188 1. 

The  Credence 

In  the  same  year  that  the  altar  and  reredos  were  con- 
structed, the  Credence  table  was  built  into  the  wall  on 
the   south   of   the  altar.      It  is  a  dignified  composition. 


462  Saint  Peter's  Church 

cut  from  Caen  stone,  after  the  design  of  Mr.  Richard 
M.  Upjohn.  The  upper  portion  consists  of  a  recessed 
arch  enclosed  in  a  square,  whose  exterior  moulding 
terminates  in  sculptured  corbels.  Below  the  table, 
blended  with  conventionalized  flowers  are  the  words: 

"Biased  are  the  pure  in  heart;  for  they  shall  see  GoJ." 

May  XXIII  A.  D.  MDCCCLXV. 

On  the  base  runs  the  Inscription: 

In    loving    memory  of   Catharine  Elizabeth    Van   Vechten 

"Ten  Eyck. 

The  Altar  Rail 

The  Sanctuary  is  separated  from  the  Choir  by  a  brass 
trefoil  Rail  supported  by  standards  of  beaten  brass  of 
intricate  workmanship.  It  was  designed  by  Robert  W. 
Gibson,  and  is  inscribed: 

In  memory  of  Mary  Jane  Perry,  wife  of  John  S.  Perry, 
and  their  deceased  children. 

The  Mosaic  Pavement  of  the  Chancel 

At  the  time  of  the  remodelling  of  the  chancel,  the 
floor  was  laid  in  mosaic,  after  designs  by  Mr.  Robert  W. 
Gibson.  The  choir  pavement  has  no  specific  decoration 
except  the  wave-lines  on  the  chancel  steps  symbolizing 
the  laver  of  baptism.  The  mosaic  of  the  Sanctuary  on 
the  other  hand  has  an  elaborate  symbolic  treatment,  the 
chief  features  of  which  are  the  symbols  of  the  four 
Evangelists  and  the  sacred  Monogram  at  the  base  of 
the  altar  steps. 


Description  of  the  Edifice  463 

A  small  brass  plate  inserted  in  the  mosaic  bears  this 
Inscription : 

The  Pavement  of  this  Sanctuary  was  given  in  loving  and 
sacred  memory  of  Orlando  Meads,  Twenty-seven  years 
Vestrymen  and  eight  years  Warden  of  this  Parish.  Died 
February  11,  A.  D.   1884. 

The  Sanctuary  Candelabra 

These  were  placed  in  the  church  the  Christmas  of 
1897.  They  are  the  design  and  workmanship  of  the 
Tiffany  Company,  New  York  citv,  and  are  massive 
structures  of  brass  treated  in  rich  Italian  Gothic.  They 
stand  on  the  pavement  either  side  of  the  altar,  each 
Candelabrum  bearing  seven  candles.  The  bases  are 
inscribed : 

In  loving  memory  of  Luther  Henry  Tucker,  sometime 
Vestryman  of  St.  Peter  s  Church.  Entered  into  Rest,  Feb- 
ruary Twenty-third,  MDCCCXCVII.  These  Candelabra 
are  given  by  his  wife  and  children  for  the  Glory  of  God's 
House. 

The  Organ  Chamber 

The  right  hand  column  of  the  arch  of  the  Organ 
Chamber  which  opens  upon  the  north  aisle  bears  a  brass 
tablet  inscribed  as  follows: 

This   Organ  Chamber  was  built  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 

188^  for  the  worship  of  God,  and  in  sacred  memory  of  His 

servant,  Giles  Ward  Porter,  a  man  of  integrity  and  faith, 

for  many  years  a  co^nmunicant  of  this  Altar,  who  entered 

into  Rest  March  nth,  A.  D.  18 5g. 


464  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The  Organ 

The  organ  was  built  in  1886  by  Hilborn  Roosevelt 
of  New  York  City  and  is  an  instrument  of  unusual 
delicacy  and  power.  It  has  three  manuals  and  full 
pedal  compass.  As  originally  constructed,  it  was  pro- 
vided with  twenty-seven  stops  and  fourteen  couplers  and 
pedal  combinations.  In  1895  the  instrument  was 
renovated  by  Michel  and  six  stops  were  added.  It  has 
a  good  foundation  of  solid  diapason  tone,  and  excels  in 
the  richness  of  its  orchestral  and  imitative  stops.  The 
lofty  arch  of  the  Organ  Chamber  on  the  north  side  of 
the  Choir  throws  the  full  power  of  the  organ  into  the 
Chancel,  which  serves  as  a  spacious  sound  chamber. 
Its  high  roof  and  apsidal  walls  have  acoustic  qualities 
which  reinforce  the  musical  effects,  vocal  as  well  as 
instrumental. 

The  Choir  Room 

The  Memorial  Choir  Room  was  built  in  1886  and 
contains  the  choir  library.  It  was  supplemented  in  1 895 
by  the  larger  room,  in  which  the  rehearsals  are  now 
conducted.  The  elaborate  stone  doorway  designed  by 
Upjohn,  which  opens  into  the  church  from  the  memorial 
Choir  Room  bears  the  following  Inscription: 

'this  Choir  Room  was  built  in  sacred  memory  of  Harmon 
Pumpelly,  entered  into  Rest  September  sSth.  A.  D.  1882. 

The  Pulpit 

This  was  built  in  1886  by  Ellin  &  Co.  of  New  York 
after  the  design  of  Robert  W.  Gibson.  It  is  a  peculiarly 
rich  and  beautiful  composition  in  Venetian  Gothic.    The 


;TS;^55!3'.'?T'.~ 


The  Tibb'tts  Memorial  Pulpit 
1886 


■■T^^XL^--:— ^-■■>-.       ■    '■;^-V:^^.>:«JV>i^^rfa^     ^V.-VWg^; 


4^)4  baint  t'eiers  unuicii 

The  O 

Tilt  :\?.  built  in  1886  by   Hilborn   Roospvelt 

of  New    '1  '■y   and  is  an  instrument  of  i 

delicacy    and  power.      It  ?e  manuals   and   iuil 

vi:-_     -  ...  I  Ajrs  and 

pedal    combinations.      In  -;nent    was 

ly  Michel  and  six  stops  were  added.      It  has 
a.  ..  'ion  of  solid  d'  i  excels  in 

chci,-   .  ;f.- ..-.-'I-....  •,  ,!  -;,,   ,,.,;...,,,.   .,.o.ps.     The 

lofty  arch  ler  on  the   mrrh    side    of 

the  Choir  throws  the  full  power  '  n  into  the 

Chancel,  \  ind    chamber. 

'       '      '        o\   aiic.  "       -  -   ':'-e3 

-.utorce   t:-.    .      _ ---,         --  ■3'^. 

instrumental.  Vi*^^^^  \an(sw^\A  ^V\^VJV  "i^'V 


CO  -'  -i_jiiii"_''-/s 

by  -  are   now 

conducted.      The  elaborate  ;-  jrway  designed  by 

(Jpjohn,  which  oj  .  hurch  trom  the  memorial 

Choir  Room  bears  las  loiiowing  Inscription: 

This  Choir  Room  wa  "ry  of  Harmon 

Pumpelly,  entered  into  RcJi  1.  D.  /SS.y. 

The  Piv: 

'f    •  ■  I..-:'.  :-  .>;>>'■  v-  t^""-  -^^  '^'.-.v  York 

afi  iliarly 

rich  an  osition  in  Venetian  Gothic.    The 


Description  of  the  Edifice  465 

material  is  the  red  sandstone  of  Carlisle,  whose  close 
texture  takes  the  intricate  sculpture.  The  base,  whose 
foundations  rise  from  the    crypt,  bears  the  Inscription: 

In  Memoriam 

John  Rutger  Bleecker 

Eliza  Attwood  Bleecker 

Benjamin  Tibbits 

Elizabeth  Bleecker  Tibbits 

The  Lectern 

This  fine  bronze,  the  work  of  the  Gorham  Company, 
New  York,  was  placed  in  the  church  in  1892.  It  rep- 
resents an  angel  of  heroic  size,  whose  uplifted  hands 
support  the  frame  on  which  the  Bible  rests.  The  globe 
which  forms  the  base  is  inscribed: 

"To  the  Glory  of  God's  Word  and  in  loving  memory  of  John 
Macdonald  entered  into  Rest  March  2J,  A.  D.  i8g2 

"For  so  He  giveth  His  Beloved  sleep.'''' 

The  Font 

This  memorial  of  an  earlier  date  was  transferred  to 
its  present  site  in  the  changes  of  1885.  Its  position  at 
the  porch  of  the  church  symbolizes  the  rite  of  Baptism 
as  the  initial  sacrament  of  Christ's  religion  and  door  of 
His  church.  The  Font  is  a  graceful  structure  of  white 
marble  and  bears  the  Inscription: 

"  He  shall  gather   the  lambs  with  His  arms." 

In  Memoriam  C.  S.  P.  Aged  X. 

A.  D.  MDCCCLXFII. 

In  Pace,  Die  Ascensionis. 
30 


466  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The  Memorial  Windows 

The  solemnity  and  beauty  of  the  interior  are  due  in 
large  measure  to  the  devout  treatment  and  artistic  merit 
of  the  stained  glass  in  the  windows  of  the  apse  and  aisles. 
Except  in  the  chancel,  there  has  been  no  attempt  to 
secure    uniformity    of    method  or  sequence    of  theme. 

The  windows  were  treated  at  various  dates  by  various 
artists.  The  only  aim  was  to  obtain  the  deepest  devo- 
tional feeling  and  the  highest  aesthetic  value  that  could 
be  given  by  the  ecclesiastical  art  of  the  present  day. 
The  Gothic  character  of  the  edifice  of  course  controlled 
the  general  treatment  of  the  windows. 

The  Chancel  Windows 

The  six  great  lancets  of  the  apse  were  treated 
subsequent  to  1885.  They  are  the  workmanship  of 
Messrs.  Clayton  &  Bell  of  London.  Each  lancet, 
bisected  by  its  mullion,  displays  in  its  upper  section 
two  life-size  figures  of  angels  bearing  musical  instru- 
ments. The  light  streams  into  the  chancel,  solemnized 
by  their  sweet  majestic  faces  and  the  rich  vestments 
which  fall  in  stately  lines  about  their  forms.  The  angels 
of  the  middle  lancet  above  the  altar  stand  with  hands 
folded  in  prayer.  Beneath  this  chorus  of  angels  each 
lancet  displays  a  significant  scene  in  the  life  of  St.  Peter. 
The  two  series  of  illumination  are  separated  by  arabesque 
work.  The  serenity  and  joy  of  the  angelic  chorus  are 
in  suggestive  contrast  with  the  human  struggle  and  con- 
secration depicted  in  the  scenes  from  the  history  of  the 
great  Apostle,  and  the  lesson  of  each  is  blended  and 
completed  in  the  sculptured  angels  adoring  the  cross 
above  the  Altar,  and  the  angel  in  bronze  at  the  entrance 
of  the  chancel  bearing  the  Bible. 


The  Macdonald  Memorial  Lectern 


m  ^ 


Description  of  the  Edifice  467 

The  Harriet  Langdon  Parker  Window 

The  lancet  next  to  the  chancel  arch  of  the  organ 
chamber,  pictures  The  Call  of  St.  Peter,  with  the 
legend:  "Follow  Me,  and  I  will  make  you  Fishers  of 
Men."      St.  Matt.  IV,  19. 

Underneath  is  the  memorial  Inscription: 

To  the  Glory  of  God  and  in  loving  memory  of  Harriet 
Langdon  Parker  daughter  of  Edmund  and  Katharine  Lang- 
don Roberts  of  Portsmouth,  N.  H.  and  beloved  wife  of 
A  mas  a  J.  Parker  of  Albany. 

At  Rest  June  2jth.  i88g.  '"''Her  children  arise  up  and 
call  her  blessed,  her  husband  also,  and  he  praiseth  her." 

The  Irwin  Window 

The  second  lancet  pictures  The  Confession  of  St. 
Peter,  with  the  legend:  "Thou  art  the  Christ,  the 
Son  of  the  living  God."  Underneath  is  the  memorial 
Inscription: 

In  memory  of  William  P.  Irwin,  entered  into  Rest 
Oct.  JO,  A.  D.  1876. 

The  Taylor  Window 

The  third  and  middle  lancet  pictures  The  Charge 
to  St.  Peter  with  the  legend:  "Jesus  saith  unto  him 
Feed  My  Sheep."  Underneath  is  the  memorial 
Inscription: 

In  memory  of  John  Taylor. 
Entered  into  Rest,  Sept.  ij,  A.  D.  i86j. 


468  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The  Tremain  Window 

The  fourth  lancet  pictures  The  Pentecostal  Sermon 
of  St.  Peter,  with  the  legend:  "This  Jesus  hath  God 
raised  up;  whereof  we  all  are  witnesses."  Underneath 
is  the  memorial  Inscription: 

In  memory  of  Lyman  Tremain.     Entered  into  Rest 

Nov.  JO.  A.  D.  i8j8.     Also  of  his  Sons, 

Frederick  Lyman  Tremain,  died  Feb.  8th ,  186^. 

and  Grenville  Tremain  died  March  14th ,  i8j8. 

The  Peltz  Window 

The  fifth  lancet  pictures  The  Healing  of  the  Crip- 
ple by  St.  Peter  and  St.  John  at  the  Beautiful  Gate  of 
the  Temple,  with  the  legend:  "In  the  Name  of  Jesus 
Christ  of  Nazareth  rise  up  and  walk."  Underneath  is 
the  memorial  Inscription: 

In  loving  memory  of 

Mary  Marvin  Learned,  wife  of  John  De  Witt  Peltz 

who  died  November  2jrd.  A.  D.  1888. 

In  the  33rd.  year  of  her  Age. 

The  Amasa  J.  Parker  Window 

The  sixth  lancet  pictures  The  Release  of  St.  Peter, 
with  the  legend:  "The  angel  of  the  Lord  came  upon 
him,  and  a  light  shined  in  the  prison."  Underneath  is 
the  memorial  Inscription: 

Amasa  J.  Parker,  at  Rest  13th.  May  i8go,  MT.  83. 

"Faithful  unto  death." 


Description  of  the  Edifice  469 

The  Aisle  Windows 

The  aisle  windows  are  large  and  dignified  openings, 
with  two  stone  mullions  and  elaborate  tracery  in  each 
window.  The  three  spacious  compartments  surmounted 
by  a  cusped  circle,  give  ample  exposures  for  the  decora- 
tive treatment  of  the  glass.  Like  the  chancel  lancets,  all 
the  aisle  windows  have  been  treated  by  eminent  English 
artists,  who  have  adopted  a  key  of  color  suited  to  our 
vivid  American  sunlight. 

In  describing  the  windows,  we  begin  on  the  left  of 
the  chancel  arch  at  the  end  of  the  south  aisle. 

The  Corning  Window 

This  window,  the  workmanship  of  Messrs.  Heaton, 
Butler  &  Bayne,  was  placed  in  1870.  It  is  a  minutely 
detailed  composition  depicting  "The  seven  corporal 
acts  of  mercy."  It  bears  the  Corning  and  Tibbits 
arms  with  the  legend  "Per  Industria  nil  sine  Numine." 
In  the  cusped  head  of  the  window  is  the  enthroned 
Christ.      Underneath  is  the  memorial  Inscription: 

Gertrude  Tibbits  Corning,  entered  into  Rest  Jan.    XXII. 
MDCCCLXIX.     In  Pace. 

The   Pruyn  Window 

This  window  was  made  in  1869  by  Messrs.  Clayton  & 
Bell  in  the  earlier  and  more  severely  ecclesiological  man- 
ner of  these  artists.  It  pictures  the  scene  of  the  Cruci- 
fixion. At  the  head  of  the  window  is  the  mystical 
marriage  of  St.  Catharine.  At  the  base  are  subordinate 
scenes   of   the   Crucifixion,  the   three   Maries   and     the 


47°  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Procession     to    the     Cross.      It    bears    the     memorial 
Inscription: 

In  memory  of  Harriet  C.  'Turner,  wife  of  John  V.  L. 
Pruyn,  who  died  March  22,  18 §g  in  the  jjth  year  of  her 
age:  also  of  Harriet  Catherine,  daughter  of  the  aforesaid 
John  and  Harriet,  who  died  Feb.  2^,  18^8,  in  the  gth  year 
of  her  age. 

The  Sherman  Window 

This  was  designed  and  put  in  at  the  same  time  as  the 
Pruyn  window  and  is  by  the  same  artists.  It  pictures 
the  three  Maries  and  the  angels  at  the  sepulchre  of  our 
Lord,  and  illustrates  the  text:  "Why  seek  ye  the  living 
among  the  dead,  He  is  not  here;  He  is  risen."  In 
the  cusped  opening  at  the  head  of  the  window  is  the 
ascending  Christ.  Underneath  are  subordinate  scenes 
in  the  narrative  of  the  Resurrection.  The  following  is 
the  memorial  Inscription: 

In  memory  of  Sarah  L.  Turner,  wife  of  Watts  Sherman, 
'.who  died  Aug.  4,  18 j8  in  the  21st  year  of  her  age. 

The  Cooper  Window 

This  was  designed  by  Messrs.  Clayton  &  Bell  in 
1879.  ^^  represents  Christ  giving  peace  and  healing  to 
the  various  types  of  human  misery.  At  the  head  of 
the  window  is  the  Agony  in  Gethsemane,  and  at  the  base 
is  the  text:  "Come  unto  me  all  ye  that  labour  and  are 
heavy  laden  and  I  will  give  you  rest;"  also  the 
memorial  Inscription: 

In  memory  of  John  Tayler  Cooper,  entered  into  rest  Aug. 
I  J,  A.  D.  1878. 


Description  of  the  Edifice  471 

The  Weaver  Window 

This  window  was  designed  by  Burne-Jones  and  was 
made  under  his  supervision  by  the  William  Morris 
Company  of  London.  Its  theme  is  the  Christology  of 
the  Old  and  New  Testaments.  The  head  of  the  window 
depicts  the  Temptation  in  the  Garden  of  Eden.  Below 
are  the  three  great  types  of  Christ  in  the  old  Covenant, 
with  the  titles:  ''Abram  Heres  Mundi.  Melchisedech 
Rex  Salem.    David  Rex  Israel." 

At  the  base  are  three  scenes  from  the  Nativity  of 
Christ;  the  Annunciation,  the  Birth  and  the  Adoration 
of  the  Kings,  with  the  legend:  "Benedictus  qui  venit 
rex  in  Nomine  Domini.  Pax  in  caelo  et  gloria  in 
excelsis." 

This  window  was  the  gift  of  Mr.  George  S.  Weaver, 
one  of  the  wardens  of  the  parish,  in  1880. 

The  Wells  Window 

This  is  the  design  and  workmanship  of  Henry  Holi- 
day, the  distinguished  pupil  of  Burne-Jones.  It  was 
erected  in  1884.  The  head  of  the  window  gives  the 
Raising  of  Lazarus.  The  large  figures  underneath  are 
the  Three  Maries.  Below  the  Mary  of  Bethany  is  the 
scene  depicting  the  penitent  washing  the  feet  of  Christ. 
Below  the  Virgin  Mary,  the  mother  of  Christ  is  pic- 
tured fainting  at  the  foot  of  the  Cross.  Below  Mary 
wife  of  Cleophas,  the  three  Maries  are  represented  on 
their  way  to  the  Sepulchre  in  the  garden.  At  the  base 
of  the  window  is  the   Inscription: 

In  memory  of  Agur  Wells,  died  January  21st,  18 j6,  and 
Abigail  IVells,  died  March  26th,  1880. 


472  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The   Owens  Window 

This  window  in  the  facade  of  the  church,  at  the  end 
of  the  north  aisle,  was  put  in  its  place  in  1885  and  is 
the  work  of  Mr.  Henry  Holiday.  It  stands  over  the 
font  and  its  theme  is  the  Sacrament  of  Christian  Bap- 
tism. The  cusped  opening  at  the  top  pictures  Christ 
blessing  the  children.  The  chief  section  of  the  window 
depicts  the  Baptism  of  our  Lord  with  the  legend 
underneath:  "This  is  my  beloved  Son  in  whom  I  am 
well  pleased.      St.  Matthew  iii,  17. 

The  subordinate  scenes  at  the  base  give  St.  Philip 
accosting  the  eunuch  of  queen  Candace,  the  discourse 
of  Christ  with  Nicodemus  at  night  and  the  Baptism  of 
Lydia  and  her  household. 

The  memorial  Inscription  reads: 

In  memory  of  Edward  Owens,  ob:  Nov.  igth,  1862  and  his 
wife,  Polly  Sabina  Hawley,  ob:  April  loth,  1884. 

The  Kidd  Window 

This  window  is  also  the  work  of  Mr.  Henry  Holiday 
and  was  put  in  place  in  1884.  It  represents  scenes  in 
the  Infancy  and  Boyhood  of  our  Lord.  In  the  chief 
section  of  the  window,  the  middle  opening  pictures  the 
enthroned  Virgin  and  the  divine  Child.  On  either  side 
are  the  adoring  kings,  or  magi,  presenting  gifts  to  the 
Infant  Christ.  Below  this  scene  is  the  legend:  "They 
presented  unto  Him  gifts,  Gold,  Frankincense  and 
Myrrh." 

Underneath  the  "Adoration,"  is  pictured  the  Flight 
into  Egypt,  the  Boy-Christ  in  the  Temple  and  the  Boy- 
Christ  in  the  carpenter  shop  of  Nazareth. 


Description  of  the  Edifice  473 

The  opening  at  the  head  of  the  window  depicts  the 
Angels  of  the  Nativity  with  the  legend:  "Gloria  in 
Excelsis." 

At  the  base  is  the  memorial  Inscription: 

'To  the  glory  of  God  and  in  memory  of  James  Kidd,  died 
May  20th,  iSjg 

The  Pumpelly  Window 

This  design  of  Messrs.  Clayton  &  Bell  was  made  in 
1883.  It  depicts  the  scene  of  the  Transfiguration  with 
the  figures  of  the  illumined  Christ,  Moses  and  Elias, 
and  the  three  Apostles,  St.  Peter,  St.  James  and  St. 
John.  Underneath  is  the  text:  "He  was  transfigured 
before  them."  The  cusped  circle  above  gives  the  risen 
Christ  and  St.  Thomas.  The  base  of  the  window 
pictures  the  miracle  of  our  Lord  at  the  foot  of  the 
mountain  of  the  Transfiguration,  below  which  runs  the 
text:  "They  were  all  amazed  at  the  mighty  power  of 
God." 

The  memorial  Inscription  is  as  follows: 

In  loving  memory  of  Harmon  Pumpelly  sometime  Warden  of 
St.  Peter  s  Church.     Entered  into  Rest  Sept.  28,  1882. 

The  Dexter  Window 

This  window,  the  work  of  Mr.  Henry  Holiday,  was 
put  in  place  in  1884.  It  represents  Faith,  Hope  and 
Charity.  Beneath  the  mailed  figure  of  militant  Faith 
is  the  legend:  "Contend  earnestly  for  the  Faith,"  and 
the  scene  of  St.  Peter's  Confession  of  the  Divinity  of 
our  Lord.  Beneath  the  figure  of  Charitv  protecting 
two  children  is  the  legend:   "Love  one  another  for  love 


474  Saint  Peter's  Church 

is  of  God,"  and  the  scene  of  St.  Peter  and  St.  John 
healing  the  cripple  at  the  Beautiful  Gate  of  the  Temple. 
Beneath  the  figure  of  Hope  parting  the  clouds,  is  the 
legend:  "Looking  for  that  blessed  hope,"  and  the 
vision  of  St.  John  at  Patmos  through  "a  door  opened 
in  heaven." 

In  the  cusped  circle  at  the  head  of  the  window  is  the 
glorified  Christ  amid  the  seven  golden  candlesticks. 

The  memorial  Inscription  reads: 

In  memory  of  James  Dexter,  George  Dexter,  June  21,  188 j. 

On  the  stone  base  of  the  window  is  a  brass  plate  with 
the  Inscription: 

'This  tablet  is  erected  to  the  memory  of  Dr.  Samuel  Dexter 
who  was  born  in  Northampton,  Mass.  on  November  14th, 
A.  D.  1J56,  moved  to  Albany  in  A.  D.  ijgo  and  died  on 
August  2gth,  A.  D.  182^.  He  and  his  sons,  George  and 
James,  were  members  and  vestrymen  of  this  Parish.  "These 
all  died  in  Faith. 

The  Ten  Eyck  Window 

This  window  was  placed  in  1876,  and  is  the  work  of 
Edmonson,  of  Manchester,  England.  It  pictures  the 
scene  in  the  Temple  where  St.  Simeon  blesses  the  Infant 
Christ.  In  the  right  compartment  is  the  Blessed  Virgin 
and  St.  Joseph.  In  the  left  compartment  St.  Ann. 
Underneath  runs  the  text:  "Lord,  now  lettest  Thou 
Thy  servant  depart  in  peace  according  to  Thy  word, 
for  mine  eyes  have  seen  Thy  salvation." 

In  the  cusped  opening  above  is  depicted  the  archangel 
St.  Michael  slaying  the  dragon.  The  memorial  Inscrip- 
tion reads: 

In  memory  of  Abraham  R.  and  Ann  Ten  Eyck. 


Description  of  the  Edifice  475 

The  Talcott   Rose  Window   and   Lancets 

The  fagade  of  the  church,  above  the  porch,  bears 
four  lancets  surmounted  by  a  large  rose,  or  Catherine 
wheel  window,  so  called  in  allusion  to  the  martyrdom 
of' the  saint.  The  rose  window  was  designed  and  made 
by  the  Tiffany  Company  of  New  York  in  1890;  the 
lancets  in  1892.  The  color-scheme  of  the  rose  window 
was  suggested  by  the  i  jth  century  glass  of  Chartres  cath- 
edral. It  is  of  peculiar  depth  and  richness  and  varies 
with  the  varying  lights  of  the  western  sun.  Four  arms 
of  the  window  are  lighter  in  treatment  than  the  others, 
making  a  cross,  amid  the  arabesques  of  which,  are  the 
traditional  symbols  of  the  four  Evangelists.  On  the 
pillar  on  the  left  of  the  church  porch  is  the  memorial 
tablet  which  reads: 

The  Rose  window  and  its  lancets  are  a  loving  memorial 
of  Sebastian  Fischer  Talcott  and  his  dear  wife  Olivia  Maria 
Shearman. 

Sebastian  Fischer  Talcott,  born  2^th  Nov.  1812,  died 
loth  Nov.  1888. 

Olivia  Maria  Shearman,  born  ij^th  Oct.  182J,  died  2gth 
Jan.  188S. 

The  gift  of  their  daughter,  Sarah  Talcott  Pruyn. 

The   Leake  Window 

Above  the  west  door  of  the  north  aisle  are  two  small 
lancets  which  have  been  treated  as  memorials,  with 
decorated  glass  of  artistic  interest. 

The  right  hand  lancet  was  made  by  Mr.  Theodore 
H.  Leake,  of  the  firm  of  Leake  &  Greene,  Pittsburg, 
Pa.  It  is  composed  of  plated  glass  and  displays  simply 
a  Roman  cross  with  the  word,  Julia,  underneath.      This 


476  Saint  Peter's  Church 

window  was   the  gift  of   Mr.   James   H.  Leake   in   the 
year  1884,  in  memory  of  his  infant  daughter. 

Van  Vechten  Window 

The  second  of  the  lancets  above  the  side  door  was 
placed  in  1885,  and  is  the  work  of  Miss  Mary  Tilling- 
hast  of  New  York.  It  represents  the  youthful  St.  John 
Baptist,  above  whom  are  the  faces  of  two  cherubs,  and 
underneath  is  the  text:  "The  Day  Spring  from  on  high 
hath  visited  us  to  give  light  to  them  that  sit  in  dark- 
ness." The  window,  the  gift  of  Mrs.  Tunis  Van 
Vechten,  has  no  further  inscription,  but  it  is  a  memorial 
to  Margaret  Kendrick. 


The  Banyar  Window  in  Choir  Rod 


M 


This  was  put  into  the  present  church  at  the  time  of 
its  building,  i860,  and  it  is  a  good  specimen  of  the 
work  of  Doremus  of  New  York  at  that  period.  It  was 
reconstructed  and  transferred  to  the  Pumpelly  Memorial 
Choir  Room  in  1890.  It  consists  of  four  lancets. 
The  left  illustrates  the  Good  Samaritan ;  the  second,  the 
Blessing  of  Jacob;  the  third,  the  Blessing  of  Ephraim 
and  Manassas,  and  the  fourth  depicts  an  angel  holding 
a  scroll.  The  window  bears  the  Banyar  arms  and  the 
Inscription: 

In  memory  of  Goldsbrow  Banyar. 

The   Memorial   Tablets 

In  the  Tower  Room  is  the  original  Altar  of  the 
present  church,  which  was  removed  from  the  chancel  in 
1885;    also    the   Tweddle  Tablet,    the    inscription    of 


Description  of  the  Edifice  477 

which  has  been  given  under  the  description  of  the 
Memorial  Tower.  The  other  tablets  in  the  Tower 
Room  are  as  follows: 


The   Potter  Tablet 

To  the  memory  of  Mary  Jane,  wife  of  the  Rev.  Horatio 
Potter,  D.  D.  Rector  of  this  church,  and  daughter  of  David 
Tomlinson  Esq.  of  Schenectady.    Died  June  8th,  184J. 

Known  in  this  parish  during  14  years  as  the  unwearied 
friend  of  the  poor. 

"They  rest  from  their  labours  and  their  ivorks  do  follow  them.^'  f- 


The   Banyar  Tablet 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Goldsbrow  Banyar,  who  died  in 
this  city  Nov.  4,  18 IS,  aged  gi  years. 

He  was  a  zealous  advocate  of  the  doctrines  and  worship 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church. 

The  Porter  Tablet 

In  memory  of  the  Rev.  John  C.  Porter,  Rector  of  Trinity 
Church,  Natchez;  who  departed  this  life  on  the  21st.  of 
October,  t8jo;  at  the  residence  of  Major  James  L.  Trask, 
near  Woodville,  Wilkinson  County,  Mississippi ;  aged  2^ 
years,  ii  months  and  12  days. 

This  monument  is  erected  by  Salem  Dutcher,  Junr.  John 
W.  Ford,  Thomas  Hun,  John  D.  Mc.  D.  Mc.  Entire, 
Nicholas  ^ackenbush,  and  Richard  Tales,  surviving  class 
mates  of  the  deceased,  as  a  tribute  of  respect  to  his  dis- 
tinguished talents  and  exalted  virtues. 


478  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The   Meads  Tablet 

This  sculpture  of  "Faith  gazing  at  the  Cross"  is  an 
early  but  notable  work  of  the  Albany  sculptor,  Erastus 
Palmer.  It  represents  a  draped  figure  in  unstudied 
pose,  with  clasped  hands,  gazing  intensely  with  eyes  of 
unquestioning  trust  and  surrender  at  an  uplifted  cross. 
With  pathetic  simplicity  it  tells  its  story  and  finds  for 
it  instant  and  profound  interpretation.  Underneath  the 
alto-relievo  is  the  memorial  Inscription : 

Elizabeth  Brant  Wilson,  wife  of  Orlando  Meads,  Died 
Dec.  2g,  i8§o. 

Looking  with  faith  to  the  better  life  hereafter,  she  so 
walked  here  in  love  and  duty  that  they  who  sorrowed  most 
for  her  departure,  still  more  blessed  God  for  her  life  and 
good  example. 

The   Gourlay  Tablet 

This  tablet  is  on  the  wall  of  the  north  aisle  and  bears 
the  following  Inscription: 

"Thy  will  be  done."      "Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord.^' 

In  loving  memory  of  Margaret  Campbell  Gourlay.  Born 
April  2g,  1816.  Born  again  into  Life  Immortal,  January 
iSth,  1884. 

With  unfaltering  faith,  unwearied  patience  and  ardent 
charity  she  served  her  Master  in  bringing  His  love  and  solace 
to  the  Children  of  Sorrow. 

Also  in  loving  memory  of  her  son,  William  James  Gour- 
lay, who  after  a  blameless  life  of  twenty-three  years.  May 
1 2th,  1866,  a  week  before  the  time  appointed  for  his  Ordina- 


The  Meads  Memorial  Bas-Relief  of  Faith 


•AUii-V  V  \v.Vi>\  Uiii   \i.vw.u-3Vh    aiu-ANV  "5\>  i 


aj/uai sr/iii.jjaaj  jjiija^  333  raj  axa  Uj^i  -mj  ansfo  sa- 


Description  of  the  Edifice  479 

tion  to  the  Diaconate  of  the  Church  of  God,  entered  into 
the  Rest  as  he  was  girding  himself  for  the  Work  of  his  Lord. 

"I  call  to  remembrance  the  unfeigned  faith  which  is  in  thee  which  dwelt 
first  in  thy  mother. — //.  Epis.  to  S.  Tim.  I.  j. 


The   Barnard  Tablet 

This  is  also  on  the  wall  of  the  north  aisle  and  is 
inscribed  as  follows : 

"/  believe  in  the  Holy  Catholic   Church,   the   Communion  of  Saints,  the 
Resurrection  of  the   Body  and  the  Life  Everlasting,  Amen." 

In  sacred  and  loving  memory  of  Daniel  Dewey  and  Cath- 
erine Walsh  Barnard,  who  entered  into  Rest  April  XXIF 
A.  D.  MDCCCLXI—June  XX  A.  D.  MDCCCLXXVI. 

The  one  after  a  life  of  private  honor  and  public  service  in 
Church  and  State ;  the  other  after  a  life  of  dignity,  duty  and 
devotion  ;  "  A  holy  woman  who  trusted  in  God  "  both  humble 
and  faithful  servants  of  their  Divine  Master,  believing  in 
partaking  of,  and  now  enjoying  the  Communion  of  Saints. 

In  the  Church  in  which  they  worshipped  together,  this 
tablet  is  placed,  a  tribute  of  faithful  filial  love. 

Bi-Centennial  Tablet 

This  historical  tablet  was  placed  on  the  outside  of  the 
Tower  at  the  celebration  of  the  Bi-Centenial  of  the  City 
of  Albany  in  1886.      It  bears  the  Inscription: 

In  the  middle  of  State,  formerly  Jonkers,  Street,  one  block 
below,  stood  the  first  English  Church  built  A.  D.  lyiS- 
upon  ground  granted  by  letters  patent  from  King  George  the 
First.  It  bore  the  name  of  St.  Peter  s  Church.  The  parish 
was  incorporated  A.  D.  ij6g. 


480  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The  second  St.  Peter  s  Church  was  built  on  this  site  A.  D. 
1802,  and  bore  this  Inscription  :  "  Glory  be  to  the  Lord, 
for  He  is  good,  for  His  mercy  endureth  for  ever." 

The  present  edifice  was  built  A.  D.  i8§g.  Upon  this 
spot  stood  the  north  east  bastion  of  Fort  Frederick. 

Objects  of  Antiquity  and   Interest  in  the  Vestry 

Room 

Original   Land   Grant 

This  patent,  granted  by  Queen  Anne  on  Oct.  21st, 
1714,  conveyed  the  site  of  the  first  St.  Peter's.  It  is 
beautifully  engrossed  on  parchment  and  bears  the  great 
seal  of  the  Province.  The  seal  on  the  obverse  gives 
the  effigy  of  Queen  Anne  holding  the  orb  and  receiving 
gifts  of  wampum  and  beaver  from  two  kneeling  Indians, 
and  on  the  reverse  the  royal  arms. 

The  Charter  of  Incorporation 

This  was  granted  by  George  the  third  on  April  25th, 
1769.  It  confirms  the  grant  of  land  on  which  the  first 
Church  stood,  the  grant  of  land  by  the  City  of  Albany 
for  the  Burial  ground,  and  incorporates 

The  Rev.  Henry  Muro,  clerk.  Rector  of  St.  Peter  s 
Church  in  the  City  of  Albany  and  others  as  Rector  and 
Inhabitants  of  the  said  City  of  Albany  in  the  County  of 
Albany  in  Communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law 
established. 

It  is  a  voluminous  document  engrossed  on  parchment, 
from  which  depends  the  great  seal  of  the  Province  bear- 
ing the  effigy  of  King  George   III   and   the  royal  arms. 


Description  of  the  Edifice  481 

It  is  signed  by  Sir  Henry  Moore,  royal  Governor  of 
the  Province. 

The  Communion   Plate 

This  ancient  plate  consists  of  six  pieces  of  massive 
silver,  each  of  which  bears  in  deep  incision  the  royal 
arms  and  the  legend 

The  Gift  of  Her  Majesty  Ann  by  the  Grace  of  God,  of 
Great  Britain,  France  and  Ireland  and  of  Her  Plantations 
in  North  America,  ^een,  to  Her  Indian  Chappel  of  the 
Onondawgus. 

This  plate  was  intrusted  by  the  Governor,  Sir  Robert 
Hunter,  to  the  custody  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  which 
was  the  chapel  for  all  Indians  of  the  Province  except 
the  Mohawks.  It  has  been  in  constant  use  in  the 
parish  for  almost  two  hundred  years.  The  hall-marks 
indicate  the  date  17 12. 

The   Old   Bible 

This  Bible  was  sent  over  from  England  with  the 
Communion  plate.  It  is  a  folio  of  the  type  known  as 
the  Baskett  Bible  and  is  beautifully  printed  and  rubri- 
cated. 

The  Alms   Basons 

Two  of  these  silver  basons  bear  the  Inscription: 

From  the  worshipful  Philip  S.  Van  Rensselaer,  mayor  of 
the  city  and  vestryman  to  St.  Peter  s  Church,  Albany  ijgg. 

The  other  two   are   similarly  inscribed  with   the  date 
1803. 
31 


482  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The   Baptismal   Bowl 

This  is  a  graceful  silver  bowl  presented  by  Mr.  Philip 
S.  Van  Rensselaer  on  Christmas  day  1823.  A  flaming 
beacon,  the  crest  of  the  Van  Rensselaers,  is  engraved 
upon  the  bowl  with  the  initials 

P.  S.  V.  R. 

The  Pruyn   Memorial  Alms  Bason 

This  is  a  large  bason  of  old  Spanish  silver  and  of 
exquisite  design.  The  centre,  from  which  are  decorated 
spiral  radiations,  is  evidently  an  insertion  of  much  older 
date  than  the  rest  of  the  bason.  This  interesting  piece 
of  antique  silver  bears  the  Inscription: 

Presented  to  St.  Pete?-'!  Church  Albany  by  Mrs.  John 
V.  L.  Pruyn  in  loving  memory  of  her  husband  who  died 
Nov.  2 1st.  18  jy.     "A  devout  man  who  feared  the  Lord." 

The  Altar  Book 

This  is  the  "Harison"  edition  of  the  Altar  Service, 
rubricated,  printed  on  Holland  paper  by  the  Cheswick 
press.  It  is  bound  in  green  morocco  with  rich  silver 
mountings,  and  bears  the  Inscription: 

In  loving  memory  of  Arthur  Amory  Jr.  December  20,  i8g8. 

On  the  obverse  is  a  plate  inscribed, 

St.  Peter  s  Church,  Albany,  N.  2~. 

The   Old  Altar 

In  the  vestry  room  is  the  small  but  interesting  Altar 
of  the  second  St.  Peter's,  which  was  presented  by  Mr. 
John  Meads  in  1823.  It  is  now  used  for  the  prepara- 
tion of  the  Elements  for  the  Holy  Communion. 


'The  Prmn  Memorial  Alms  Bason 


"j'.nti     '.WM  \  .     <iiv<H'V«iWA     ?ilU'<"V 


Description  of  the  Edifice  483 

Framed   Portraits   and   Documents 

On  the  walls  of  the  vestrv  room  hang  the  following 
pictures  of  former  Rectors  of  the  parish:  The  Rev. 
Henry  Barclay,  D.D. ;  the  Rev.  John  Ogilvie,  D.D.; 
the  Rev.  Thomas  Brown;  the  Rev.  Thomas  Ellison; 
the  Rev.  Frederick  Beasley,  D.D.;  the  Rev.  Timothy 
Clowes,  LL.  D.  ;  the  Rev.  William  B.  Lacey,  D.D.; 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Horatio  Potter,  D.D.;  the  Rev.  Thomas 
C.  Pitkin,  D.D.  ;  the  Rev.  William  T.  Wilson;  the 
Rev.  William  Tatlock,  D.D.;  the  Rt.  Rev.  William 
Croswell  Doane,  D.D.  ;  and  the  Rev.  William  A. 
Snively,  D.D.  On  the  walls  also  hang  the  sentence  of 
Consecration  of  the  present  Church  by  Bishop  Horatio 
Potter  (i860),  the  renewed  Consecration  of  the  Chancel 
and  Benediction  of  the  Memorial  Gifts  by  Bishop 
Doane  (1886)  and  the  Emblazonment,  presented  by 
Mr.  Harmon  Pumpelly  Read,  of  the  Arms  of  the 
Church,  which  were  devised  in  1790  by  Domine  Ellison 
and  are  composed  of  the  inverted  cross,  the  crozier,  the 
key  and  the  mitre  of  St.  Peter. 


APPENDICES 


Chapter   I,   Page  22 
PERE  JOGUES  AND  DOMINE  MEGAPOLENSIS 

AMONG  those  men  of  austere  devotion  and  unflinch- 
ing courage  sent  by  the  Society  of  Jesus  to  make 
Christians  of  the  Indians  under  the  French  obedience 
in  Canada  was  Isaac  Jogues,  a  native  of  Orleans,  France. 
His  life  of  unselfish  service  in  the  forests  of  the  new 
world  can  be  traced  in  the  artless  Relations  de  Jesuites^ 
transmitted  by  the  mission  priests  to  the  Superior  of 
their  order  in  France,  in  the  contemporary  chronicles, 
and  in  the  pages  of  Parkman,  the  careful  student  and 
accurate  historian  of  that  romantic  period  of  American 
history.^ 

It  was  on  his  return  to  his  mission  among  the 
Tobacco  nation  from  a  journey  to  Three  Rivers  and 
Quebec  to  obtain  supplies,  accompanied  by  several 
traders  and  heathen  and  Christian  Hurons,  in  a  fleet  of 
twelve  heavily  laden  canoes,  that  near  the  western  end 
of  Lake  St.  Peter  the  party  was  attacked  by  the  Iro- 
quois, and  after  a  desperate  struggle,  in  which  the 
Hurons  fled,  and  the  Frenchmen  and  Christian  con- 
verts bravely  fought,  Pere  Jogues  and  his  companions 
were  taken  prisoners.      They   were    cruelly    maltreated 

'  An  excellent  edition  with  the  French  original  and  a  good  English 
translation  on  opposite  pages  now  in  the  course  of  publication,  under 
the  scholarly  editorship  of  Mr.  Reuben  G.  Thwaites,  makes  these  doc- 
uments available  to  the  modern  reader.  (Burrows  Brothers,  Cincinnati). 
For  Isaac  Jogues  see  especially  the  Relations  for  1644  and  1647. 

'  Francis  Parkman.  The  Jesuits  in  North  America,  pp.  86,  106, 
21 1,  238,  296,  306. 

32 


486  Saint  Peter's  Church 

and    taken    through    a   picturesque   country,  by   way   of 
the     River     Richelieu,    Lake    Champlain,     and     Lake 
George,  then  first  seen  by  a  white  man,  to  the  Mohawk 
towns.      They   were   made   slaves   and    suffered    many 
indignities   and   hardships.      Pere   Jogues    was  allowed 
liberty  within  certain  limits  and  gladly   instructed   such 
Indians  as  would  listen  to  him  and  gave  the  consolations 
of  religion  to  the  Christian  captives.     He  was  made  one 
of  a  party  to  a   fishing   place   twenty    miles    below    Fort 
Orange  in  July,  1643.      While  here  he   learned  of  the 
return  of  a  war  party  with  some  prisoners.      He  begged 
permission   to   return   to   the    Mohawk   village   that  he 
might  minister  to  the  spiritual  needs  of  his  fellow  bond- 
men.     It  was   granted   and   a   canoe   of   Iroquois  soon 
after  ascended  the  Hudson  with  the  captive  priest.    The 
Indians  landed  at  Fort  Orange  to   trade  and  took  Pere 
Jogues  with  them.      The  Dutch  burghers  were   kind  to 
him,    and    had    previously    attempted    to    rescue    him, 
especially   Arendt   Van    Corker.      They  now   informed 
him    of   the   bitter   feeling  against  him  in  the  Mohawk 
village  owing  to  a  letter  which  he  had  forwarded   to  the 
French  commandant  at  the  mouth  of  the   River  Riche- 
lieu, and  advised  him  to  escape.      V^an   Corker   offered 
him  a  passage  to  Bordeaux  or  Rochelle  in  a  small  Dutch 
vessel  then  in  the  River  opposite  Rensselaerwyck.    The 
full  narrative  of  his  contest  between  duty  and  inclination 
as   given    in    his    own    manuscript    narrative  of  his  cap- 
tivity is  interesting.      Finally    he   determined   to   elude 
his  captors  and  take  refuge  on  the  vessel.      After    some 
misadventures  and  in  great  risk  of  recapture  he  reached 
the  vessel.      "The  Dutch   sailors   received   him    kindly 
and  hid  him  in  the  bottom  of  the  hold,  placing   a   large 
box  over  the  hatchway.      He   remained   two   days,  half 
stifled   in    this   foul   lurking   place,  while   the   Indians, 
furious   at   his    escape   ransacked    the  settlement  in  vain 
to  find  him."' 

'  Parkman,   The  Jesuits,  p.  234. 


Appendices  487 

Their  persistence  so  alarmed  the  officers  of  the  vessel 
that  Jogues  was  sent  under  the  cover  of  night  to  the  fort. 
He  was  consigned  to  the  care  of  "a  miserly  old  man," 
and  hidden  in  his  garret.  The  greater  portion  of  the 
food  sent  to  him  was  stolen  by  his  host,  and  with  his 
wounds  and  in  his  general  weak  condition,  in  dread  of 
a  cruel  recapture  and  wasted  with  hunger,  he  passed  a 
pitiable  existence  for  six  weeks.  The  Dutch  authori- 
ties treated  him  with  marked  consideration,  and  had  the 
post  surgeon  attend  to  his  wounded  leg,  which  had 
begun  to  be  painful  and  showed  dangerous  symptoms. 
The  noble  character  of  Domine  Megapolensis  came  out 
in  his  brotherly  kindness  to  this  member  of  the  Society 
of  Jesus.  He  frequently  visited  him,  held  long  and 
learned  conversations  with  him,  diverted  his  mind  from 
his  unhappy  circumstances  and  by  food  and  raiment 
cheered  and  consoled  him.  He  has  left  on  record  his 
opinion  that  Isaac  Jogues  was  "a  very  learned  scholar."' 
The  minister  of  Rensselaerwyck  was  unwearied  in  his 
efforts  to  arouse  the  interest  of  the  authorities  in  a 
renewed  attempt  to  ransom  him  from  captivity,  until 
finally  by  the  payment  of  a  large  ransom  the  priest  was 
released.  His  practical  kindness  also  secured  for  Pere 
Jogues  a  passage  to  New  Amsterdam,  where  the 
Director-general,  Wilhelm  Kieft,  received  him  courte- 
ously, supplied  his  wants  and  sent  him  to  Europe  in  a 
small  vessel  about  to  sail. 


'  Megapolensis.      A  short  sketch  of  the  Mohawk   Indians,   quoted  in 
Weise's  History  of  Albany. 


488  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Chapter  III,   Page  55 

THE  COMMUNION  PLATE  OF  ST.   PETER'S  CHURCH 
By  the  Hon.  Orlando  Meads,  LL.D.' 

To  the  Rev.  Walton  W.  Battershall,  D.  D., 

Rector  of  St.  Peter  s  Churchy  Albany. 

Rev.  and  Dear  Sir. — I  have  been  asked  by  you  to 
put  in  a  permanent  form  for  preservation  among  the 
records  of  the  Church,  such  facts  as  I  have  been  able 
to  ascertain  in  regard  to  the  Queen  Anne  Communion 
plate  now  in  the  possession  of  St.  Peter's  Church.  The 
right  of  the  Church  to  retain  the  possession  of  it  having 
within  the  last  few  years  been,  for  the  first  time,  called 
in  question.  I  have  taken  some  pains  to  obtain  such 
information  as  I  could  in  regard  to  it.  The  Commun- 
ion plate  in  question  consists  of 

Two  large  silver  Flagons, 

One  large  and  one  small  Paten, 

One  large  Chalice, 

One  large  Alms  Bason. 

Each  piece  is  stamped  with  the  London  Goldsmith's 
Hall  marks  as  follows,  viz.:  (i)  The  letter  C,  the 
makers'  mark,  being  the  first  two  letters  of  his  sur- 
name. (2)  The  figures  of  Britannia  and  a  Lion's  head 
erased,  being  the  Goldsmith's  Hall  mark.  (3)  The 
Greek  letter  Phi  (orQ)  in  old  court  hand,  being  the 
date  mark  for  the  year  between  May  30,  171 1  and  May 
30,   17 1 2 — the  year  in  which  it  was  stamped. 

'  In  the  original  manuscript  the  description  oi  the  communion  plate 
was  followed  by  a  brief  sketch  of  the  origin  of  the  Church  in  Albany. 
This  is  omitted,  as  the  ground  is  fully  covered  by  the  text  of  the  "  His- 
tory." 


Appendices  489 

On  each  piece  is  engraved  tlie  Royal  Arms  of  Great 
Britain  between  the  letters  A  and  R,  and  each  piece 
bears  the  following  inscription  in  deep  cut  script: 

"The  Gift  of  her  Majesty  Anne,  by  the  Grace  of 
God,  of  Great  Britain,  France,  and  Ireland,  and  of  her 
Plantations  in  North  America,  Queen,  to  her  Indian 
Chappel  of  the  Onondawgus." 

It  will  be  observed  that  the  gift  is  not  to  "the  Onon- 
dagas, ' '  but  to  ' '  her  Indian  Chappel  of  the  Onondawgus, 
an  important  distinction,  as  will  hereafter  be   observed. 

Accompanying  the  plate  there  was  formerly  a  fine 
linen  table  cloth  of  what  was  known  as  "Namur  linen," 
intended  to  be  used  as  the  "fair  white  linen  cloth" 
required  by  the  rubric  for  the  covering  of  the  "Com- 
munion table."  It  was  characteristic  of  a  nice  sense  of 
the  fitness  of  things  and  of  the  exquisite  ritualism  of 
the  time,  that  the  damask  pattern  of  the  cloth  was  a 
representation  of  the  then  recent  bombardment  and  tak- 
ing of  the  city  of  Namur  by  Marlborough's  forces,  and 
was  well  calculated  incidentally  to  impress  the  Indians 
with  a  sense  of  the  military  superiority  of  the  British 
to  the  French.  This  cloth  has  now  disappeared,  but  I 
have  often  seen  it,  and  it  was  in  existence  down  to  the 
time  of  the  Rectorship  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Pitkin.  It,  as 
well  as  the  whole  set  of  Communion  plate,  was  originally 
kept  in  an  old  leather  trunk,  but  during  the  Rectorship 
of  the  Rev.  Dr.  (now  Bishop)  Potter,  he  caused  the 
plate  to  be  properly  repaired  and  cleaned  and  a  new  box 
to  be  made  for  it,  in  which  it  has  ever  since  been   kept. 

The  date  of  the  plate,  as  has  been  already  shown  was 
between  171 1  and  171 2,  but  I  have  not  been  able  to 
ascertain  with  precise  certainty  either  the  time  or  the 
circumstances  under  which  it  came  into  the  possession 
of  St.  Peter's  Church.  The  documentary  evidence  to 
which  I  shall  hereafter  refer,  will  establish  clearly,  that 
the  Indian  Chapel  of  the  Onondagas,  for  which  the 
plate  in  question  was  intended,  was  never  built,  and 
that    this    plate    was   thereupon   placed   by   the   proper 


490  Saint   Peter's  Church 

colonial  authority  in  the  possession  of  the  English 
Church  which  had  then  just  been  established  by  the 
Rev.  Thomas  Barclay,  as  Missionary,  under  the  sanc- 
tion and  support  of  Governor  Hunter — that  the  posses- 
sion and  use  of  it  by  the  church  continued  down  to  the 
time  of  Sir  Henry  Moore  as  Governor  in  1768 — when 
the  rightfulness  of  such  possession  was  recognized  and 
its  continuance  sanctioned  by  him  and  that  it  has  con- 
tinued ever  since. 

During  the  first  half  of  the  i8th  century  it  was 
deemed  a  matter  of  great  importance  by  the  British 
Government,  and  the  colonial  authorities  of  New  York, 
to  secure  the  friendship  and  alliance  of  the  Indian  tribes 
inhabiting  the  western  part  of  the  state  between  Schenec- 
tady and  the  Niagara  River.  The  French  were  then  in 
possession  of  Upper  and  Lower  Canada,  and  had  estab- 
lished a  line  of  military  posts  and  forts  extending  from 
Lake  Champlain  and  the  River  St.  Lawrence  and  along 
the  Western  Lakes  to  the  Mississippi.  These  tribes 
included  the  five  great  Indian  nations,  the  Mohawks, 
the  Oneidas,  Onondagas,  Cayugas,  the  Tuscaroras  and 
the  Senecas.  They  were  very  warlike  and  powerful  and 
each  government  sought  not  only  to  protect  its  settle- 
ments from  their  incursions,  but  also  to  secure  their  per- 
manent good  will  and  support.  To  this  end  great  efforts 
were  made  by  each  party  to  bring  them  under  the  influ- 
ence of  the  Christian  religion  and  to  establish  friendly 
relations  with  them.  The  Jesuit  missionaries  labored 
faithfully  in  the  interests  of  their  Church  and  of  the 
French  among  the  Indians  along  the  northern  and  west- 
ern borders,  and  the  missionaries  of  the  Church  of 
England  were  engaged  in  a  corresponding  work  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  British  settlements. 

The  city  of  Albany  was  at  that  day  the  most  impor- 
tant point  in  the  interior  of  the  province.  Situated 
near  tide-waters  it  was  a  point  of  communication  with 
the  North  through  the  upper  valley  of  the  Hudson  and 
Lake  Champlain,  and  with  the  West  by  a  short  portage 


Appendices  491 

to  the  Mohawk  River  at  Schenectady.  As  early  as  the 
time  of  William  III,  and  perhaps  earlier,  a  fort  had  been 
built,  and  a  British  garrison  placed  in  charge  of  it  and  it 
was  afterward  rebuilt  in  the  time  of  Governor  Hunter.' 

In  a  statement  laid  before  a  convention  of  clergy  in 
New  York,  Oct.  5,  1704,  under  the  direction  of  Lord 
Cornbury,  the  Governor,  it  is  stated  that  "Albany  is  a 
large  frontier  town  where  most  of  the  people  are  Dutch, 
who  have  from  Amsterdam  a  Dutch  minister,  one  Mr. 
Lydius,  but  there  are  some  English  families,  besides  a 
garrison  of  soldiers,  who  are  a  considerable  congrega- 
tion. A  Church  of  England  minister  here,  will  in  all 
probability,  do  signal  service,  not  only  by  setting  up 
public  worship  to  the  joy  and  comfort  of  the  English 
who  impatiently  desire  a  minister,  and  persuade  the 
Dutch  and  others  to  conform,  but  also  in  instructing  the 
Indians  who  come  in  great  numbers  thither.  Mr.  Moore, 
missionary  to  the  Mohawks,  is  coming  to  settle  here  for 
some  time  by  the  direction  of  his  Excellency,  my  Lord 
Cornbury,  who  gives  him  great  encouragement  and  has 
been  pleased  to  promise  him  presents  for  the  Indians. '"■' 

Colonel  Caleb  Heathcote,  a  member  of  the  provincial 
council  and  also  of  the  Venerable  Society  for  the  Propa- 
gation of  the  Gospel,  writing  to  the  Secretary  of  that 
Society  Nov.  9,  1705,  says:  "As  to  Mr.  Moore's 
mission  you  will  undoubtedly  have  the  account  thereof 
very  fully  by  Mr.  Talbot,  whose  place  he  supplied, 
having  not  thought  it  worth  the  while  to  stay  at 
Albany.  As  for  my  opinion  on  that  matter,  I  think  it 
is  too  heavy  for  the  Society  to  meddle  with  at  present, 
and  would  properly  lie  as  a  burthen  upon  the  Crown, 
to  be  defrayed  out  of  the  revenue  here.  For  their  being 
brought  over  to  our  Holy  faith  will,  at  the  same  time, 
secure  them  in  their  fidelity  to  the  government."" 

'  Document  relating  to  Colonial  History.     Vol.  5,  p.  717. 

^  Documentary  Hist.  N.  Y.,  Vol.  Ill,  p.   117. 

'  Documentary  Hist.  N.  Y.,  Vol.  Ill,  p.   124,  125. 


492  Saint  Peter's  Church 

The  Rev*.  Thoroughgood  Moore  came  to  Albany 
as  a  missionary  of  the  Church  of  England,  in  or  about 
1704,  and  remained  but  a  short  time.  About  1708  the 
Rev''.  Thomas  Barclay  came  to  Albany  as  a  missionary 
of  the  S.  P.  G.  Society  and  a  chaplain  to  the  forces. 
He  remained  in  Albany  for  many  years  doing  faithful 
missionary  work  among  the  inhabitants  and  also  among 
the  Indians.  About  1712  the  Rev.  William  Andrews 
also  came  out  as  a  missionary  of  the  S.  P.  G.  Society, 
and  after  a  short  sojourn  at  Albany  went  out  to  Fort 
Hunter  under  the  orders  of  the  Governor  and  estab- 
lished himself  there  as  the  authorized  missionary  to  the 
Mohawks,  a  fort  and  a  chapel  having  been   built  there. 

Another  communion  set,  similar  in  all  respects  to 
the  one  in  St.  Peter's  except  that  in  the  inscription  the 
name  of  the  "Chappel  of  the  Mohawks"  was  substi- 
tuted in  the  place  of  that  of  the  Onondagas,  was  sent 
out  and  placed  in  the  chapel  of  the  fort  which  was  just 
then  completed  at  Fort  Hunter.  It  was  probably  taken 
there  by  the  Rev**.  Mr.  Andrews  and  used  during  his 
long  charge  of  that  mission.  The  Mohawk  commu- 
nity there  dwindled  down  to  a  small  number,  and  after 
the  separation  of  the  colonies  from  Great  Britain  they 
emigrated  to  lands  granted  to  them  in  upper  Canada, 
and  took  their  communion  set  with  them  and  have  it 
still  in  their  possession.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Pitkin,  form- 
erly Rector  of  St.  Peter's,  visited  this  Mohawk  settle- 
ment in  Canada  some  years  since  and  examined  this 
plate  and  recognized  its  similarity  to  that  of  St.  Peter's. 
He  having  mentioned  to  them  the  fact  of  the  similarity 
to  the  set  in  the  possession  of  St.  Peter's,  bearing  the 
name  of  the  Chappel  of  the  Onondagas,  they  communi- 
cated it  to  a  congregation  of  Onondagas,  also  settled  in 
Canada,  who  soon  afterwards  sent  down  their  chief 
accompanied  by  their  agent  to  demand  and  receive  the 
plate  in  question  as  their  undoubted  property.  This 
demand  was  declined  and  the  facts  explained  to  them. 
Soon  after  another  application  for  it  was  made  in  behalf 


Appendices  493 

of  another  congregation  of  Onondagas  residing  in  the 
Diocese  of  Central  New  York,  which  was  attended  by 
the  same  result.  I  have  therefore  thought  it  proper  to 
put  in  form  a  statement  of  the  whole  case,  showing,  as 
I  think,  conclusively,  that  the  plate  in  question  was 
never  intended  as  a  gift  to  the  Onondagas  as  a  tribe, 
but  as  a  part  of  the  necessary  outfit  of  a  Royal  chapel  to 
be  put  up  within  a  British  fort  then  contemplated  to  be 
built  and  garrisoned  by  British  troops  in  the  Onondaga 
country — that  this  chapel  in  fact  was  never  built — that 
the  plate  was  never  sent  to,  or  in  any  way  delivered  to 
the  Onondagas,  or  to  any  chapel  for  their  use,  but  that, 
as  there  is  every  reason  to  believe,  it  was  by  the  proper 
colonial  representatives  of  the  Crown  who  had  the  con- 
trol of  it,  placed  in  the  charge  of  the  missionary  and 
congregation  of  the  chapel  erected  in  17 15- 16  in  con- 
nection with  the  fort  at  Albany,  and  that  it  has  remained 
in  the  use  of  the  same  congregation  ever  since,  and  at 
the  time  of  the  incorporation  of  this  congregation  in 
1768,  the  fact  of  this  previous  possession  was  recog- 
nized by  the  government,  its  rightfulness  not  ques- 
tioned, and  its  continuance  expressly  sanctioned. 

And  now,  as  to  the  further  documentary  proof  of 
these  statements,  as  found  in  the  colonial  documents  as 
follows: 

The  draft  additional  instructions  to  Robert  Hunter, 
as  Governor  of  the  province  Dec.  27,  1709,  refers  to 
the  fact  that  the  late  King  William  had  given  orders 
for  advancing  ^5°°  ^^^  building  a  fort  in  the  Onondaga 
country  and  ^2000  towards  rebuilding  those  in  Albany 
and  Schenectady.^ 

It  further  states  that  notwithstanding  the  said  advance 
for  forts  that  then  appeared  very  necessary,  it  was  not 
intended  to  interfere  with  the  repairing  of  the  forts  of 
Albany  and  Schenectady,  which  unless  they  were  main- 
tained, "a  fort  in  so  remote  a  part  of  the  country  would 

'  Documents  relating  to  Colonial  History.     Vol.  V,  pp,  124,  138. 


494  Saint  Peter's  Church 

be  worse  than  if  there  were  none."  It  then  directs 
money  to  be  first  applied  at  the  forts  at  Albany  and 
Schenectady.' 

The  commissioners  of  Indian  affairs,  Henry  Hansen, 
Peter  Van  Brugh,  Myndert  and  Peter  Schuyler  hold  a 
meeting  May  4,  171 1  and  inform  Governor  Hunter 
that  the  French  officers  have  been  at  Onondaga  and  are 
taking  possession  and  building  a  block  house." 

Also  "that  the  Indians  had  granted  them  a  Lott  in 
the  middle  of  their  Castle  to  erect  a  house  and  that 
Monsieur  Longuelie  called  by  the  Indians  Sinnon- 
quirese  was  to  be  the  owner  thereof  and  to  live  in  it 
when  he  comes  there  at  any  time."  That  there  are  two 
Sachems  of  the  Maquase  (Mohawk  ?)  Canada  praying 
(i.  e.  Christian)  Indians  with  the  said  French  Gent",  at 
Onondaga."^ 

Colonel  Schuyler  was  thereupon  sent  out  by  the  Gov- 
ernor to  examine  into  the  matter  and  negotiate  with  the 
Onondagas.  He  reports  to  the  Governor  an  account 
of  the  journey  made  between  the  first  and  fifteenth  of 
May,  171 1,  and  informs  him  that  with  the  consent  of 
the  Onondagas  he  had  broken  down  the  block-house 
and  destroyed  the  wood  ready  to  build  a  Chapel  and 
had  put  up  her  Majesty's  coat-of-arms  "as  a  token  that 
the  French  had  no  jurisdiction  there."* 

At  a  meeting  held  at  Albany,  Aug.  25,  171 1, 
between  the  Chiefs  of  the  Five  Nations  and  Lieut. 
Governor  Nicholson,  Governor  Salstonstall  of  Connec- 
ticut, Colonel  Schuyler  of  the  Indian  commissioners 
and  the  Mayor  and  aldermen  of  Albany,  a  letter  from 
the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury  was  delivered  to  the 
Indians  and  they  were  informed,  among  other  things  of 
the  Queen's  orders  to  build   forts,  chapels   and  houses 

'  Documents  relating  to  Colonial  History.  Vol.  V,  p.  140. 

^  Documents  relating  to  Colonial  History.  Vol.  V,  p.  242. 

'  Documents  relating  to  Colonial  History.  Vol.  V,  p.  243. 

'  Documents  relating  to  Colonial  History.  Vol    V,  p.  246,  248,  249 


Appendices  495 

for  missionaries  in  their  country,  as  soon  as  the  mis- 
sionaries come  out  from  England. 

The  Indians  reply  that  they  are  anxious  and  thankful 
that  Fortifications,  Chappels  and  Missionary  houses 
are  to  be  built.^ 

At  a  conference  Oct.  9,  171 1,  between  the  Indians 
and  Governor  Hunter  at  Albany  he  tells  them  that  for 
their  protection  ''guards  upon  the  frontiers  shall  be 
increased,  forts  forthwith  built,  one  in  the  Mohawk, 
castle,  and  people  preparing  necessaries  to  build  another 
at  Onondaga  in  the  spring  which  shall  be  garrisoned  by 
forces  from  hence,  where  you  may  retreat  to  in  time  of 
danger,  and  as  soon  as  missionaries  arrive  from  England 
they  shall  be  sent  out  among  you."" 

In  fulfilment  of  this  promise  we  find  that,  on  the 
11th  day  of  Oct.  171 1,  a  Contract  was  "concluded  at 
Albany  between  Robert  Hunter,  Governor,  &c.,  and 
Lieut.  Colonel  Nicholson,  of  the  one  part  and  Garet 
Symonce,  Barent  Vrooman,  Hendrick  Vroman,  John 
Wemp  and  Arent  Van  Petten  of  Schenectady,  Carpen- 
ters, of  the  other  part,  for  the  building  of  two  wooden 
forts  in  the  Indian  country:  first,  they  are  to  repair  to 
the  Mohack  country  and  build  a  tort  150  feet  square, 
with  block-houses  at  the  corners,  with  also  a  Chapel  in 
the  middle  of  the  fort  of  24  feet  square,  one  story  ten 
feet  high  with  a  garret  over  it  well  covered,  &c.,  and 
they  are  allowed  till  the  ist  of  July,  1712  to  finish 
this;  and  soon  after  they  have  finished  this  they  will 
repair  to  the  Onondage  and  there  build  another  fort; 
chapel  and  block-houses  of  the  same  dimensions,  except 
the  floor  to  be  laid  with  split  wood  instead  of  boards; 
and  if  they  are  hindered  and  prevented  in  the  perform- 
ance of  their  agreement,  they  are  to  be  allowed  and  paid 
for  the  work  done  in  proportion  to  the  whole  undertak- 
ing.     They  are  to  be  paid  1000  pounds  for   the  whole, 

'  Documents  relating  to  Colonial  History.      Vol.  5,  p.  270,    271. 
'  Documents  relating  to  Colonial  Histoiy.      \  ol.   5,  p.  278. 


496  Saint  Peter's  Church 

viz.  ;  100  pounds  ten  days  after  date,  400  pounds  when 
they  have  finished  the  agreement  for  the  Mohawk  coun- 
try, and  500  pounds  more  when  they  have  completed 
the  work.  The  Onondage  work  to  be  completed  by 
July  I,  1713.'" 

Feb.  25,  1711-12.  Governor  Hunter  to  John  Cham- 
berlayne  Esq.,  Sec'y  of  the  Society  for  the  Prop,  of  the 
Gospel  informs  him  "that  the  forts  to  be  built  by  her 
Majesty's  orders  for  the  reception  and  safety  of  mis- 
sionaries, are  actually  in  hand:  one  block  house  in  the 
Mohock's  country  before  the  forts  and  that  fort  will  be 
finished  in  the  spring,  and  the  other  in  the  Onondagas 
country  next  fall,  so  its  high  time  to  think  of  missiona- 
ries for  that  service."^ 

Oct.  31,  17 1 2.  Governor  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of 
Trade. 

"I  am  further  to  acquaint  your  lordships  that  our 
Indians  are  quiet  again — a  very  good  fort  and  Chappel 
built  m  the  Mohocks  country  where  I  have  at  present 
20  private  men  and  officers;  the  other  in  the  Onon- 
daga country  is  like  to  meet  with  some  opposition 
by  the  evil  arts  of  French  emissaries,  but  I  hope  to 
get  the  better  of  that  and  carry  on  the  work  this  sum- 
mer. The  missionary  for  the  Mohocks  is  arrived  and 
upon  his  departure  for  his  mission,  I  doubt  not  he  will 
be  kindly  received."^ 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Commissioners  of  Indian  affairs 
in  Albany  "the  Commissioners  received  a  letter  from 
his  excellency  dated  31st  Oct.  last.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
William  Andrews,  Missionary  for  the  Mohocks  sent  by 
the  honourable  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gos- 
pel in  foreign  parts  was  desired  to  meet  the  Commis- 
sioners with  the  Rev''.  Mr.  Thos.  Barclay,  who  came." 

It  was  then  ordered  that  the  said  letter  should  be  then 

'  Documents  relating  to  Colonial  History.  Vol.  5,  p.  279. 
'  Documents  relating  to  Colonial  History.  Vol.  5,  p.  317. 
'  Documents  relating  to  Colonial  History.      Vol.  5,  p.  349. 


Appendices  497 

read  unto  them  which  was  done,  and  told  Mr.  Andrews 
that  they  would  at  all  times  give  him  all  the  assistance 
that  lays  in  their  power  for  accomplishing  so  good  a 
work  as  he  is  sent  for.  For  which  he  gave  the  Commis- 
sioners many  thanks.' 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Comm'rs  of  Indian  affairs  in 
Albany  y^  15th  day  of  Nov.  17 12;  present,  Peter 
Schuyler,  John  Schuyler,  K.  Van  Renselaer,  Hend. 
Hansen,  R.  Ingoldsby,  Mynd.  Schuyler,  P.  Van  Brugh. 

"This  day  a  letter  from  his  Grace,  My  Lord  Arch- 
bishop of  Canterberry  dated  y®  29th  of  May  last  to  the 
Sachems  of  the  six  nations  of  Indians  was  delivered  to 
the  Sachims  of  the  Moquas  countrv  and  read  to  them, 
the  contents  whereof  was  interpreted  to  them  by  Law'^" 
Clasen,  which  letter  was  ordered  to  be  recorded  in  these 
minutes  on  the  request  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas 
Barclay." 

"The  Rev'^  Mr.  Andrews,  Missionary  to  the 
Mohawk  Indians  told  the  Sachems  that  he  is  sent  by 
her  most  Excellent  Majesty  the  Queen  and  the  Society 
for  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts  at  their 
own  desire  and  request  to  her  Majesty  when  some  of 
the  Sachems  were  in  England  &c.  &c.  &c. 

"Then  Terachjoris,  Sachim  of  Canajoharie,  the  upper 
castle  of  the  Mohawks,  stood  up  and  said  that  he  was 
deputed  by  those  of  that  castle  to  come  to  Albany  to 
receive  in  their  name  the  Rev"^.  Mr.  William  Andrews 
for  their  minister,  who  they  understood  is  sent  (on  their 
request),  by  the  great  Queen  of  Great  Britain  to  instruct 
them  in  the  Christian  religion  for  the  good  of  their 
souls  service,  and  gave  Mr.  Andrews  his  hand  &c.  &c. 
&c." 

There  were  further  speeches  and  promises  by  Chief 
Hendrick  and  others.^ 

Dec.  16,  1712.  Gov.  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade: 
informs  them  that  "The  missionary  for  the   Mohocks 

'  Nov.   14,  171  2.      Munsell's  Annals,  Vol.  6,  p.  58. 
"  Munsell's  Annals.      Vol.  6,  p.  58,  Nov.   15,  171  z. 


498  Saint  Peter's  Church 

is  gone  thither.  I  have  heard  nothing  from  him  since 
he  hath  been  there.  My  numbers  are  much  too  few 
for  the  number  of  garrisons.  I  have  not  heard  of  late 
of  the  undertakers  of  the  Fort  at  Onondaga  by  reason 
of  the  season  of  the  year,  which  makes  me  conclude 
that  they  have  met  with  no  opposition  as  was  appre- 
hended."' 

The  same  to  the  same.  March  14,  1712-13.  Informs 
them  that  "the  missionary  had  at  first  an  indifferent 
reception  by  means  of  Hendrick,  who  was  one  of  those 
carried  to  England  but  being  undeceived  they  received 
him  kindly.'"" 

July  12,  17 1 5.  Col.  Heathcote  to  Lord* Townsend — 
tells  him  of  the  designs  of  the  French  with  the  Indians. 
"The  French,"  as  he  has  been  informed,  "have  entered 
the  Onondaga  country  with  intent  to  build  a  fort  there 
and  cut  off  our  trade  with  the  Five  Nations."^ 

Sept.  7,  17 15.  The  Lords  of  Trade  to  Gov.  Hun- 
ter— Having  lately  received  a  memorial  from  Col. 
Lodovick  relating  to  the  proceedings  of  the  French 
among  our  Five  Nations  &c.  "We  find  by  our  books 
that  his  late  Majesty,  King  William,  upon  a  proposal 
from  the  earl  of  Bellamont,  had  ordered  500  Pounds 
for  the  building  of  a  fort  in  the  Onondaga  country, 
which  we  suppose  to  be  near  the  place  mentioned  in  the 
memorial;  and  2000  lbs.  for  the  forts  of  Albany  and 
Schenectady,  and  also  that  money  was  raised  at  New 
York  for  carrying  on  that  work,  and  as  we  do  not  find 
that  any  fort  has  been  built  by  us  in  the  Onondaga  country, 
we  desire  you  will  make  inquiry  &c.  &c."* 

Nov.  18,  1715.  Lords  of  Trade  to  Secretary  Stan- 
hope. Refer  to  the  ^500  remitted  to  Earl  Bellamont 
towards   building   a   fort   in  the  Onondaga  country  and 

'  Colonial  History.  Vol.  5,  p.  351. 

"  Colonial  History.  Vol.   5,  p.   358. 

'  Colonial  History.  Vol.  5,  p.  431. 

'  Colonial  History.  Vol.   5,  p.  434. 


Appendices  499 

say  "that  they  do  not  find  that  he  did  anything  in  it, 
nor  do  we  know  what  became  of  that  money;  but  since 
Brig''  Hunter's  government,  he  has  caused  a  good  fort 
and  Chappel  to  be  built  in  the  Mohock's  country  where 
there  was  a  missionary  and  20  private  men  with  an 
officer."' 


Chapter   III,    Page   57 

LAND  PATENT   1714 

LETTERS  PATENT,  being  a  grant  from  the 
Crown  of  land  in  Albany  whereon  to  build  a  Church 
for  Divine  Service,  according  to  the  Liturgy  of  the 
Church  of  England. 

GEORGE  BY  THE  GRACE  OF  GOD, 
KING  OF  GREAT  BRITAIN,  FRANCE  AND 
IRELAND,  DEFENDER  OF  THE  FAITH, 
ETC. 

TO  ALL  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come,  sendeth 
greeting.  Whereas  our  loving  subjects,  the  Reverend 
Thomas  Barclay,  Missionary  from  the  Right  Honora- 
ble the  Society  for  propogating  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign 
parts,  together  with  Peter  Matthews,  Esq'',  and  John 
Dunbar,  the  present  wardens  of  the  English  Church,  at 
Albanv,  by  their  petition  presented  to  our  trusty  and 
well  beloved  Robert  Hunter,  Esq'.  Captain  General 
and  Governor  in  chief  of  our  province  of  New  York, 
in  America,  have  set  forth  that  for  want  of  better  con- 
veniency,  they  have  hitherto  been  necessitated  to  perform 
Divine  service  according  to  the  liturgy  of  the  Church 
of  England,  in  a  small  Chappel,  belonging  to  a  Lutheran 
Congregation,  at  unseasonable  hours,  by  the  leave  of 
the   Lutheran   Minister  and  people,  which   Chappel   is 

'  Colonial  History.      Vol.   5,  p.  468. 


500  Saint  Peter's  Church 

likewise  old  and  decayed,  that  by  license  and  the  good 
example  and  encouragement  given  by  the  said  Governor, 
they  have  acquired  from  many  of  our  subjects  inhabi- 
tating  this  province  voluntary  subscriptions  towards  the 
building  of  a  Church  in  the  City  of  Albany,  and  are 
advised  that  there  is  a  very  convenient  situation  for  the 
said  Church  and  Cemetery  in  our  grant  ninety  foot  in 
length  and  sixty  foot  in  breadth  at  the  head  of  Yonker- 
street  in  the  said  city  of  Albany  between  the  house  of 
Stephanus  Groesbeek  on  the  north  side  and  the  house 
of  Abraham  Cuyler  on  the  south  side  not  to  extend 
further  East  than  the  east  end  of  said  houses  and  from 
thence  to  stretch  westerly  up  the  said  street  the  breadth 
thereof  to  extend  from  the  centre  of  the  said  street 
South  &  north  sixty-foot  and  keeping  the  same  breadth 
to  extend  in  length  westerly  ninety  foot  between  two 
parallel  lines.  PRAYING  our  grant  and  confirmation 
of  the  same  to  them  and  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever 
in  trust  for  the  use  of  them  and  their  successors  the  Min- 
ister and  Church  Wardens  of  the  English  Church  at 
Albany  for  the  time  being  forever.  WHICH  request  we 
being  willing  to  grant.  KNOW  YE  that  of  our  especial 
grace  certain  knowledge  and  meer  motion  WE  HAVE 
GIVEN  granted  certified  and  confirmed  and  do  by 
these  presents  for  us  our  heirs  and  sucessors  give  grant 
certify  and  confirm  unto  the  said  THOMAS  BAR- 
CLAY, PETER  MATTHEWS  AND  JOHN 
DUNBAR  and  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever.  ALL 
THAT  the  said  piece  of  ground  before  mentioned  and 
described  limited  and  bounded  as  aforesaid  with  free 
liberty  to  erect  and  build  thereon  a  CHURCH  for 
DIVINE  Service  according  to  the  Liturgy  of  the 
Church  of  England  and  to  inclose  the  same  for  a  Ceme- 
tery together  with  all  and  singular  edifices  buildings 
ways  entrys  lights  casements  privileges  comodities 
hereditaments  and  appurtenances  whatsoever  to  the  same 
belonging  or  anyways  appertaining  and  all  that  our  estate 
right  title  interest  property  claim  and  demand  of  into  or 


Appendices  501 

our  of  the  same  and  the  reversions  remainder  and  remain- 
ders and  the  yearly  rents  and  profits  of  the  same.  TO 
HAVE  AND  TO  HOLD  the  said  piece  of  ground 
and  all  other  the  above  granted  premisses  with  the 
hereditaments  and  appurtenances  unto  the  said  Thomas 
Barclay,  Peter  Matthews,  and  John  Dunbar,  and  their 
heirs  and  assigns  forever  but  to  and  for  the  sole  and 
only  proper  use  benefit  and  behoof  of  the  Minister 
and  Church  Wardens  of  the  Church  of  England  in 
the  City  of  Albany  and  of  their  successors  forever  and 
to  no  other  use  whatsoever,  TO  BE  HOLDEN  of  us 
our  heirs  and  successors  in  fee  and  common  soccage  as 
of  our  MANOR  of  EAST  GREENWICH  in  the 
county  of  Kent,  in  our  KINGDOM  OF  GREAT 
BRITAIN.  YIELDING  rendering  and  paying  there- 
fore yearly  and  every  year  forever  unto  us  our  heirs  and 
successors  or  to  our  and  their  collector  and  Receivers 
General  of  our  said  Province  for  the  time  being  at  our 
Custom  house  in  the  city  of  New  York  on  the  first  of 
St.  Michael  the  Arch  Angel  commonly  called  Michael- 
mas Day,  the  annual  rent  of  one  shilling  current  money 
of  New  York  in  lieu  and  stead  of  all  other  rents  services 
dues  duties  and  demands  whatsoever  for  the  same  piece 
of  ground  and  premises.  IN  TESTIMONY  whereof 
We  have  caused  these  our  letters  to  be  made  patent  and 
the  Great  seal  of  our  province  aforesaid  to  be  thereunto 
affixed  and  the  same  to  be  entered  of  record  in  the 
Secretary  office  of  our  said  Province  in  the  book  of 
records  for  patents.  WITNESS  our  said  trusty  and 
well  beloved  ROBERT  HUNTER  Esq.  Captain 
General  and  Governor  in  Chief  of  our  said  province  and 
the  province  of  New  Jersey  and  the  territories  and  tracts 
of  land  depending  on  them  in  America,  and  Vice 
ADMIRAL  of  the  same  in  Council  at  Fort  George 
in  New  York  the  one  and  twentieth  day  of  October 
in  the  first  year  of  our  reign,   Annoque  Domini    17 14. 

H.    WiLEMAN, 

SEAL.  D.  Secry. 

33 


502  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Chapter  VI,   Page   115 
CHARTER  OF  INCORPORATION  zsth  APRIL   1769 

Charter.^ 

GEORGE  the  third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great 
Britain  France  and  Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  faith 
and  so  forth.  TO  ALL  to  whom  these  presents  shall 
come  greeting,  WHEREAS  our  loving  subjects  the 
Reverend  Harry  Munro  Clerk,  Rector  of  Saint  Peter's 
Church  in  the  City  of  Albany  in  our  province  of  New 
York,  Christopher  Hagerman  and  Daniel  Hewson 
Junior  Church  wardens  of  the  said  church,  John  Barclay 
and  William  Benson  Vestrymen  of  the  said  Church  by 
their  humble  petition  presented  unto  to  our  trusty  and 
well  beloved  Sir  Henry  Moore,  baronet,  our  Captain 
General  and  Governor  in  Chief  in  and  over  our  province 
of  New  York  and  the  terrritories  depending  thereon  in 
Amercia,  Chancellor  and  vice  Admiral  of  the  same,  on 
the  eighteenth  day  of  May  now  last  past,  did  set  forth, 
that  Robert  Hunter  Esquire  Governor  of  the  said 
province,  for  and  under  our  Royal  and  great  grand 
father  George  the  first,  by  letters  patent  under  the  board 
seal  of  the  said  province,  bearing  date  the  twenty-first 
day  of  October  which  was  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  one 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  fourteen,  did  grant  unto 
the  Reverend  Thomas  Barclay,  Peter  Matthews  Esquire, 
and  John  Dunbar,  a  certain  piece  of  ground  therein 
particularly  described,  to  erect  and  build  a  church  for 
public  worship  agreeable  to  the  rules  and  regulations  of 
the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  established.  That 
soon  after  a   Church   was  built  on  the  said  ground  and 

'By  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  New  York;  passed 
March  3rd,  1789,  the  name  of  the  Corporation  as  given  by  this  Charter 
is  altered  to  that  of  the  Rector  &  Inhabitants  of  the  City  of  Albany, 
in  communion  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  State  or 
New    York. 


Appendices  503 

public  worsliip  has  been  performed  according  to  the 
mode  of  the  Church  of  England;  and  that  the  petition- 
ers conceiving  it  might  be  for  the  interest  and  advantage 
of  the  said  Church  to  have  the  same  incorporated  did 
therefore  pray  our  said  Captain  General  and  Governor 
in  chief  to  grant  to  the  petitioner  a  Charter  for  the 
incorporation  of  the  said  Church  in  such  manner  as  to 
our  said  Captain  General  and  Governor  in  Chief  should 
seem  most  proper.  NOW  WE  BEING  WILLING 
to  promote  and  further  the  interest  an  advantage  of  the 
said  Church  and  desirous  to  give  all  encouragement  and 
assistance  for  the  perpetual  maintenance  and  preservation 
therein  of  the  worship,  doctrine,  discipline  and  govern- 
ment of  the  Church  of  England,  as  by  law  established, 
are  graciously  pleased  to  grant  to  the  said  petitioners  and 
the  other  inhabitants  of  the  said  city  of  Albany  and 
their  successors  forever  in  communion  of  the  Church  of 
England  as  by  law  established,  this  our  present  Charter, 
and  the  privileges,  benefits,  advantages  and  immunities, 
hereinafter  mentioned:  KNOW  YE  THEREFORE 
that  of  our  especial  grace,  certain  knowledge  and  meer 
motion,  we  have  ordained  given  granted  and  declared; 
and  by  these  presents  for  us  our  heirs  and  successors,  do 
ordain  give  grant  and  declare  that  they  the  said  petitioners 
and  the  rest  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  city  of  Albany 
in  the  county  of  Albany  in  communion  of  the  Church 
of  England  as  bv  law  established  and  their  successors 
the  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the  said  City  of  Albany  in 
the  county  of  Albany  in  communion  of  the  Church  of 
England  as  by  law  established  forever  hereafter  shall  be 
one  body  corporate  and  politic  in  deed,  fact  and  name, 
by  the  name  stile  and  title  of  the  "Rector  and  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  City  of  Albany  in  the  county  of  Albany  in 
communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  estab- 
lished, and  them  and  their  successors  by  the  same  name. 
WE  DO  BY  THESE  PRESENTS  for  us  our  heirs 
and  successors  really  and  fully  make  erect,  create  and 
constitute  one  body  politic  and  corporate  forever  in  deed 


504  Saint  Peter's  Church 

fact  and  name;  and  will  give  grant  and  ordain  that  they 
and  their  successors,  the  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the 
City  of  Albany  in  the  county  of  Albany  in  communion 
of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  established  by  the 
same  name  shall  and  may  have  perpetual  succession  and 
shall  and  may  be  capable  in  law  to  sue  and  be  sued 
implead  and  be  impleaded  answer  and  be  answered  unto, 
defend  and  be  defended  in  all  courts  and  elsewhere  in  all 
manner  of  actions,  suits  complaints  pleas  causes  matters 
and  demands  whatsoever  as  fully  and  amply  as  any 
other  our  liege  subjects  of  our  said  province  of  New 
York  may  or  can  sue  or  be  sued,  implead  or  be 
impleaded,  defend  or  be  defended,  by  any  lawful  way  or 
means  whatsoever;  And  that  they  and  their  successors 
by  the  same  name  shall  be  forever  hereafter  capable  and 
able  in  the  law  to  purchase  take  hold  receive  and  enjoy 
any  messuages,  tenements,  houses  and  real  estate  what- 
soever, in  fee  simple  for  term  of  life  or  lives,  or  in  any 
other  manner  howsoever  for  the  use  of  the  said  Church, 
and  also  any  goods,  chattels  or  personal  estate  whatso- 
ever. PROVIDED  ALWAYS  the  clear  yearly  value 
of  the  real  estate  (otherwise  of  the  said  Church  and  the 
ground  whereon  the  same  is  built  and  the  Cemetery 
belonging  to  the  same)  doth  not  at  any  time  exceed  the 
sum  of  one  thousand  pounds,  lawful  sterling  money  of 
Great  Britain;  and  that  they  and  their  successors  by 
the  same  name  shall  have  full  power  and  authority  to 
give,  grant,  sell,  lease  and  dispose  of  the  same  real 
estate  for  life  or  lives,  or  years  or  forever  under  certain 
yearly  rents ;  and  all  goods  chattels  and  personal  estate 
whatsoever  at  their  will  and  pleasure:  And  that  it 
shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  them  and  their  successors  to 
have  and  use  a  common  Seal.  And  our  will  and  pleas- 
ure further  is,  and  we  do  hereby  for  us  our  heirs  and 
successors  ordain  and  appoint  that  there  shall  be  forever 
hereafter  belonging  to  the  said  Church  one  Rector  of 
the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  established,  duly 
qualified   for   the   cure   of   Souls,  two  Church  Wardens 


Appendices  505 

and  eight  Vestry-men,  who   shall   conduct   and   manage 
the  affairs  and  business  of  the  said  Church  and  corpora- 
tion  in   manner  as   hereafter  is  declared  and  appointed 
and  for  the  more  immediate  carrying  into  execution  our 
royal  will  and  pleasure  herein,  we  do  hereby  assign  con- 
stitute and  appoint  Christopher  Hagerman   and    Daniel 
Hewson   junior,   to   be  the  present  Church    Wardens, 
and    John    Barclay,     William    Benson,     Isaac     Fryer, 
Cornelius   Cadmus,    Thomas   Sharpe,    Peter   Sylvester, 
Richard  Cartwright,  and  John  Fryer,  to  be  the   present 
Vestry-men  of  the  said  Church,  who  shall   hold  possess 
and  enjoy  their  said  respective  offices  until   Tuesday   in 
Easter   Week,  which  will   be  in   the  year  of  our  Lord, 
one  thousand  seven   hundred   and   seventy.      And    for 
the   keeping  up   the  succession   in   the  said  offices,  our 
royal  will  and  pleasure  is,  and  we   do   hereby   establish, 
direct  and   require  that   on  the  said  Tuesday  in  Easter 
week   aforesaid   and   yearly   and   every    year    thereafter 
forever,  on  Tuesday  in  Easter  Week  in  every   year  the 
Rector  and  inhabitants  of  the   City  of  Albany  in  the 
county    of   Albany   in   communion   of   the   Church    of 
England   as   by   law  established,  shall   meet  at  the  said 
Church  and  there  by  the  majority  of  voices  of  such   of 
them  as  shall   so   meet,  elect  and  choose  two  of  their 
members  to  be   Church   Wardens,  and  eight  others  of 
their  members  to  be  vestry-men  of  the  said  Church   for 
the   ensuing  year;    which    said    Church    wardens    and 
vestry-men   so   elected  and   chosen    shall     immediately 
enter  upon  their  respective  offices  and  hold  exercise  and 
enjoy   the   same   respectively   from    the   time   of    such 
elections  for  and  during  the  space  of  one  year  and  until 
other   fit  persons  shall   be  elected  and  chosen  in  their 
respective  places.      And  in  case  the  Church  wardens   or 
either  of  them  by  these  presents  named  and  appointed, 
or  hereafter  to  be  elected  and  chosen,  shall  die  or  remove 
from  the  said  city  of  Albany,  before  the  time   of  their 
respective  appointed  services  shall  be  expired,  or  refuse 
or  neglect  to  act  in  the  office  for  which  he  or  they   shall 


5o6  Saint  Peter's  Church 

be  so  elected  or  chosen,  or  is,  or  are  herein  nominated 
and  appointed,  then  our  royal  will  and  pleasure  is,  and 
we  do  hereby  direct,  ordain  and  require  the  Rector  and 
inhabitants  of  the  City  of  Albany  in  the  county  of 
Albany  in  communion  as  aforesaid  for  the  time  being 
to  meet  at  the  said  Church  and  chuse  other  or  others  of 
their  members  in  the  place  and  stead  of  him  or  them 
so  dying,  removing  or  refusing  to  act,  within  thirty 
days  next  after  such  contingency ;  and  in  this  case  for 
the  more  due  and  orderly  conducting  such  elections, 
and  to  prevent  any  undue  proceedings  therein,  we  do 
hereby  give  full  power  and  authority  to,  and  ordain 
and  require  that  the  Rector  and  Church-wardens  of  the 
said  church  for  the  time  being  or  any  two  of  them  shall 
appoint  the  time  for  such  election  and  elections,  and 
that  the  Rector  of  the  said  Church,  or  in  his  absence, 
one  of  the  Church-wardens  for  the  time  being,  shall 
give  public  notice  thereof  by  publishing  the  same  at 
the  said  Church  immediately  after  divine  service  on  the 
Sunday  next  preceding  the  day  appointed  for  such 
election,  hereby  giving  and  granting  that  such  person 
or  persons  as  shall  be  so  chosen  from  time  to  time  by 
the  Rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  said  city  of  Albany  in 
the  county  of  Albany  in  communion  as  aforesaid  or  the 
majority  of  such  of  them  as  shall  in  such  case  meet  in 
manner  hereby  directed,  shall  have,  hold,  exercise  and 
enjoy  such  the  office  or  offices  to  which  he  or  they  shall 
be  so  elected  and  chosen  from  the  time  of  such  election 
until  the  Tuesday  in  Easter  week  thence  next  ensuing 
and  until  other  or  others  be  legally  chosen  in  his  or 
their  place  or  stead,  as  fully  and  amply  as  the  person  or 
persons  in  whose  place  he  or  they  shall  be  chosen  might 
or  could  have  done  by  virtue  of  these  presents:  And 
we  do  hereby  will  and  direct  that  this  method  shall 
forever  hereafter  be  used  for  the  filling  up  all  vacancies 
that  shall  happen  in  either  of  the  said  offices  between 
the  annual  elections  above  directed.  And  our  royal 
will   and  pleasure  further  is,  and  we   do  hereby  for  us 


Appendices  507 

our  heirs  and  successors  give  and  grant  that  as  well  the 
Church-wardens  and  vestry-men  in  these  presents  nomi- 
nated and  appointed  as  such  as  shall  from  time  to  time 
be  hereafter  elected  and  chosen  as  is  herein  directed, 
shall  have,  and  they  are  hereby  invested  with  full  power 
and  authority  to  execute  their  several  and  respective 
offices  in  as  full  and  ample  manner  as  any  Church- 
wardens or  Vestry-men  in  that  part  of  our  Kingdom 
called  England,  or  this  our  province  of  New  York,  can 
or  lawfully  may  execute  their  said  respective  offices. 
And  further  our  royal  will  and  pleasure  is,  and  we  do 
by  these  presents  for  us  our  heirs  and  successors  give, 
grant,  ordain,  and  appoint,  that  the  Rector  and  Church- 
wardens of  the  said  Church  for  the  time  being,  or  any 
two  of  them  shall  and  may  from  time  to  time  as  occasion 
shall  require  summon  and  call  together  at  such  day 
and  place  as  they  shall  think  proper  the  said  Rector, 
Church-wardens  and  vestry-men  for  the  time  being  to 
meet  in  Vestry;  giving  them  at  the  least,  one  days 
notice  thereof;  and  we  hereby  require  them  to  meet 
accordingly. 

AND  WE  DO  HEREBY  GIVE,  grant,  and 
ordain  that  the  said  Rector  and  one  of  the  said  Church- 
wardens for  the  time  being,  at  least,  together  with  the 
majority  of  the  said  vestry-men  of  the  said  Church  for 
the  time  being,  being  met  in  Vestry  as  above  directed, 
shall  forever  hereafter  have  and  they  are  herebv  invested 
with  full  power  and  authority  by  majority  of  their 
voices  to  do  and  execute  in  the  name  of  the  Rector  and 
inhabitants  of  the  city  of  Albany  in  the  county  of 
Albany  in  communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by 
law  established  all  and  singular  the  powers  and  authori- 
ties hereinbefore  given  and  granted  to  the  said  Rector 
and  inhabitants  of  the  city  of  Albany  in  the  county  of 
Albany  in  communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by 
law  established  anywise  touching  or  relating  to  such 
laws,  messuages  and  tenements  real  and  personal  estate 
whatsoever,  as  they  the  said  Rector  and   inhabitants   of 


5o8  Saint  Peter's  Church 

the  city  of  Albany  in  the  county  of  Albany,  in  com- 
munion as  aforesaid  shall  or  may  acquire  for  the  use  of 
the  said  Church;  And  also  in  like  manner  to  order 
direct  manage  and  transact  the  general  interest,  business 
and  affairs  of  our  said  Corporation;  and  also  shall  have 
full  power  and  authority  in  like  manner  to  make  and 
ordain  such  rules,  orders  and  ordmances  as  they  shall 
judge  convenient  for  the  good  government  and  discipline 
for  the  members  of  the  said  Church.  PROVIDED  such 
rules,  orders  and  ordinancs  be  not  repugnant  to  the 
laws  of  that  part  of  our  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  called 
England,  or  of  this  our  province  of  New  York,  but  as 
near  as  may  be,  agreeable  thereto;  and  that  the  same  be 
fairly  entered  in  a  book  or  books  to  be  kept  for  that 
purpose;  AND  also  in  like  manner  to  appoint  the 
form  of  the  common  Seal  hereinbefore  granted,  and  the 
same  to  alter,  break,  and  new  make  at  their  discretion; 
And  also  in  like  manner  to  appoint  such  officer  or 
officers  as  they  shall  stand  in  need  of.  ALWAYS 
PROVIDED  that  the  Rector  of  the  said  Church  for 
the  time  being  shall  have  the  sole  power  of  nominating 
and  appointing  the  clerk  to  assist  him  in  performing 
divine  service,  as  also  the  Sexton,  anything  hereinbefore 
contained  to  the  contrary  in  any  wise  notwithstanding; 
which  clerk  and  sexton  shall  hold  and  enjoy  their  respec- 
tive offices  during  the  will  and  pleasure  of  the  Rector  of 
the  said  Church;  for  the  time  being.  And  in  case  of 
every  avoidance  of  the  said  Church,  either  by  the  death 
of  the  Rector  thereof  or  otherwise,  then  our  royal  will 
and  pleasure  is,  that  the  powers  and  authorities  hereby 
vested  in  the  Rector,  Church-wardens  and  vestrymen  in 
vestry  met  as  above  mentioned  shall  until  the  said 
Church  be  legally  supplied  with  another  incumbent, 
vest  in  and  be  executed  by  the  Church-wardens  of  the  said 
Church  for  the  time  being.  PROVIDED  ALWAYS 
they  have  the  concurrence  and  consent  of  the  major 
number  of  the  whole  vestry-men  of  the  said  Church  for 
the  time  being,  in  everything  they  shall  in  such  case  do 


i 


Appendices  509 

by  virtue  liereof.  And  also  we  do  by  these  presents 
for  us  our  heirs  and  successors,  give  and  grant,  that  the 
patronage  and  advowson  of  the  said  Church,  and  the 
right  of  presentation  thereto,  after  the  death  of  the  pres- 
ent Rector,  and  upon  the  next  avoidance  thereof,  and 
forever  thereafter  on  every  avoidance  shall  belong  to 
and  appertain,  and  it  is  hereby  vested  in  the  Church- 
wardens and  vestry-men  of  the  said  Church  for  the  time 
being,  or  the  majority  of  them  forever  whereof  one 
Church-warden  shall  always  be  one.  AND  WHEREAS 
FOR  some  years  past,  a  certain  lot  or  piece  of  land 
lying  in  the  said  city  of  Albany  hath  been  used  and 
appropriated  to  the  purpose  of  a  Church-yard,  Ceme- 
tery, or  burying  place  of  the  dead  of  the  said  Church, 
the  same  lot  or  piece  of  land  lying  on  the  north  adjoin- 
ing to  our  Fort  there  begins  at  eighteen  links  westerly 
from  the  point  of  the  northeast  bastion  of  our  said  Fort 
on  the  north  side  of  the  Fort-wall ;  and  runs  from  thence 
north  twenty  eight  degrees  and  fifteen  minutes  east, 
three  chains  and  thirty  links;  then  north  sixty-two 
degrees  and  thirty  minutes  west,  two  chains  and  ninety- 
two  links;  then  south  twenty-eight  degrees  and  fifteen 
minutes  west,  two  chains  and  fifty  four  links,  then 
south  forty-nine  degrees  and  forty-five  minutes  east, 
seventy-eight  links,  to  the  point  of  the  north-west 
bastion  of  the  said  Fort;  and  then  along  the  wall  of  the 
Fort  to  the  place  where  it  first  began. 

KNOW  YE  THEREFORE  further  that  we  of 
our  especial  grace  certain  knowledge  and  meer  motion 
have  given,  granted,  ratified  and  confirmed,  and  do  by 
these  presents  for  us  our  heirs  and  successors  give, 
grant,  ratify  and  confirm  unto  the  said  Rector  and 
inhabitants  of  the  City  of  Albany  in  the  county  of 
Albany,  in  communion  of  the  Church  of  England,  as 
by  law  established,  and  their  successors  forever:  ALL 
THAT  the  said  piece  of  ground  hereinbefore  recited  to 
have  been  granted  as  aforesaid  to  the  Reverend  Thomas 
Barclay,    Peter   Matthews,    and  John    Dunbar   for   the 


5IO  Saint  Peter's  Church 

purposes  mentioned  in  the  said  herein  recited  petition, 
and  also  the  said  church  built  and  erected  thereon, 
called  St.  Peter's  Church;  and  also  all  that  the  said 
other  lot  or  piece  of  land,  Church-yard,  Cemetery  and 
burying  place  last  above  luentioned  and  described. 
TOGETHER  with  all  and  singular  the  tenements, 
hereditaments,  emoluments,  and  appurtenances,  to  the 
same  and  every  part  and  parcel  thereof  belonging  or 
appertaining;  and  also  all  our  estate,  right,  title,  pos- 
session, interest,  claim,  and  demand  whatsoever,  of,  in, 
an  to  the  same,  and  every  part  and  parcel  thereof,  and 
the  reversion  and  reversions,  remainder  and  remainders, 
rents,  issues  and  profits  thereof,  and  of  every  part  and 
parcel  thereof.  TO  HAVE  AND  TO  HOLD  all 
and  singular  the  premises  aforesaid  unto  them  the  said 
Rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  City  of  Albany,  in  the 
county  of  Albany  in  communion  of  the  Church  of 
England  as  by  law  established  and  their  succssors  for- 
ever. To  their  only  proper  use  and  behoof  forever,  and 
to  and  for  no  other  use,  intent  or  purpose  whatsoever. 
YIELDING,  rendering  and  paying  therefore  unto  us, 
our  heirs  and  successors  yearly  and  every  year  forever 
at  our  Custom  House  in  our  City  of  New  York,  unto 
our  or  their  Collector  or  Receiver-General  there  for  the 
time  being,  on  the  feast  of  the  annunciation  of  the 
blessed  Virgin  Mary,  commonly  called  Lady  day,  the 
yearly  rent  of  one  shilling  sterling  in  lieu  and  stead  of 
all  other  rents,  services,  dues,  duties  and  demands, 
whatsoever  for  the  rights,  liberties,  privileges,  immuni- 
ties, powers,  advantages,  lots  of  land,  Church,  tene- 
ments, hereditaments,  and  other  the  premises  hereby 
granted  and  confirmed,  or  meant,  mentioned  or  intended 
so  to  be,  or  any  part  thereof.  AND  further  we  do 
will  declare  and  ordain,  and  by  these  presents  for  us, 
our  heirs  and  successors,  do  give  and  grant  unto  the 
Rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  City  of  Albany  in  the 
county  of  Albany  in  communion  of  the  Church  of 
England    as   by   law   established    and    their    successors 


Appendices  511 

forever,  that  this  our  present  grant  shall  be  deemed, 
adjudged  and  construed  and  in  all  cases  most  favorably, 
and  for  the  best  benefit  and  advantage  of  the  said 
Rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  City  of  Albany  in  the 
county  of  Albany  in  communion  of  the  Church  of 
England  as  by  law  established;  And  that  this  our  pres- 
ent grant  being  entered  on  record  as  is  hereinafter 
particularly  expressed,  shall  be  good  and  effectual  in 
the  law  to  all  intents,  constructions  and  purposes  what- 
soever against  us,  our  heirs,  and  successors  according  to 
our  true  intent  and  meaning  hereinbefore  declared, 
notwithstanding  the  not  reciting  or  misrecital,  not 
naming  or  misnaming  of  any  of  the  aforesaid 
franchises  privileges,  immunities,  offices,  or  other  the 
premises,  or  any  of  them:  And  although  no  writ  of  ad 
quod  damnum,  or  other  writs,  inquisitions  or  precepts 
hath  been  upon  this  account  had,  made,  issued,  or 
prosecuted. 

IN  TESTIMONY  whereof  we  have  caused  these 
our  letters  to  be  made  patent  and  the  great  Seal  of  our 
said  Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed,  and  the  same  to  be 
entered  on  record  in  our  Secretary's  office  in  our  city  of 
New  York  in  our  said  Province  in  one  of  the  books  of 
patents  there  remaining.  WITNESS  our  said  trusty 
and  well  beloved  Sir  Henry  Moore,  Baronet,  our 
Captain  General  and  Governor  in  Chief  in  and  over  our 
said  Province  of  New  York  and  the  territories  depend- 
ing thereon  in  America,  Chancellor  and  Vice  Admiral 
of  the  same,  at  our  Fort  in  our  city  of  New  York,  by 
and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  our  Council  for  our 
said  province  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  April,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  sixty-nine, 
and  of  our  reign  the  ninth. 

H.  Moore. 

Passed  the  Secretary's  Office 
Clarke. 

Seal. 


512  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Chapter  VII,   Page   139 

AN  ACT    AMENDING    THE    CHARTER    OF  ST.   PETER'S 

CHURCH 

An  act  to  enable  the  Corporation  of  St.  Peter's 
Church  in  the  City  of  Albany  to  assume  the  name 
therein  mentioned. 

Passed  3d  March,  1789. 

Whereas  by  Charter  under  the  Great  Seal  of  the  then 
Colony,  now  State  of  New  York,  bearing  date  the 
Twenty-fifth  Day  of  April  in  the  year  of  Our  Lord 
One  Thousand  seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  Nine,  the 
Congregation  of  St.  Peter's  Church  in  the  City  of 
Albany  were  erected  into  a  Corporation  by  the  name 
and  style  of  The  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the  City  of 
Albany,  in  the  County  of  Albany  in  Communion  of 
the  Churcn  of  England,  as  by  Law  established.  And 
whereas  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  State 
has  now  become  independent  of  the  Established  Church 
of  England,  and  whereas  the  said  Corporation  by  their 
humble  petition  to  the  Legislature  of  this  State,  have 
prayed  that  they  might  be  enabled  to  assume  and  use 
the  name  of 

The  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the .  City  of  Albany 
in  Communion  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  State  of  New  York. 

Therefore 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  New  York, 
represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  and  it  is  hereby 
enacted  by  the  authority  of  the  same. 

That  the  said  Corporation  shall  and  may,  from  and 
immediatly  after  the  passing  of  this  Act,  take  and  use 
the  name  of 

The  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the  City  of  Albany 
in  Communion  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  State  of  New  York,  and  by  the  same  name  shall  be 
capable   to   sue   and  be  sued,  answer  and  be  answered, 


Appendices  513 

plead  and  be  impleaded,  answer  and  be  answered  unto, 
defend  and  be  defended,  any  Law,  usage  or  Custom  to 
the  contrary  thereof  notwithstanding,      p.  147. 

Laws  of  the  State  of  New  Tork,  comprising  the  Consti- 
tution and  the  Acts  of  the  Legislature  since  the  Revolution, 
from  the  First  to  the  Twelfth  Session  inclusive. 

Published  according  to  an  Act  of  the  Legislature,  passed 
the  IS  April,  J7S6. 

In  Two  Volumes.      Vol.  /. 


Printed  by  Hugh  Gaine,  at  his  Printing  Office  and  Book 
Store  at  the  Bible  in  Hanover  Square.     MDCCLXXXIX. 

In  Reprint,  [Albany;  Weed,  Parsons  and  Co.  iSSy) 
the  act  is  on  p.  loi,  Vol.  III. 


Chapter  XIV,    Page  368 

CHANGES    IN    ACT    OF    INCORPORATION.— EXTRACT 
FROM  MINUTES 

Resolved,  That  the  Vestry  of  "The  Rector  and 
Inhabitants  of  the  City  of  Albany  in  Communion  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  New  York" 
commonly  called  and  known  as  "St.  Peter's  Church  in 
the  city  of  Albany"  in  pursuance  ot  the  second  section 
of  the  act  hereinafter  mentioned  do  at  a  regular  meeting 
by  this  resolution  and  the  vote  thereupon  determine  to 
adopt  the  provisions  of  the  Ninth,  tenth,  eleventh, 
twelfth,  thirteenth,  fourteenth  fifteenth,  sixteenth  and 
Seventeenth  clauses  of  section  One  of  the  said  act  of 
the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  New  York,  passed  May 
9th,  1868,  entitled  "An  act  to  amend  the  acts  to  pro- 
vide for  the  incorporation  of  religious  societies  so  far 
as  the  same  relates  to  "Churches  in  Communion  with 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church"  and  that  notice  of 
this  vote  of  the  Vestry,  and  that  the  same  will   be  sub- 


514  Saint  Peter's  Church 

mitted  for  ratification  to  the  qualified  voters  at  the  next 
annual  election  for  Wardens  and  Vestrymen  of  said 
Church  be  given  by  the  Rector,  if  there  be  one,  or  if 
there  be  none,  or  he  be  absent,  by  the  officiating  minis- 
ter, or  by  a  Church  Warden  in  the  time  of  divine 
service,  for  two  Sundays  next  previous  to  said  next 
annual  election:" 

I,  Selden  E.  Marvin,  clerk  of  the  Vestry  of  "The 
Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the  city  of  Albany  in  Com- 
munion of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
State  of  New  York"  commonly  called  and  known  as 
"St.  Peter's  Church  in  the  city  of  Albany,"  do  hereby 
certify  the  above  resolution  to  be  a  true  copy  of  a 
resolution  passed  at  a  meeting  of  the  Vestry  held  on 
Saturday  the  ninth  day  of  April,  1870,  as  entered  upon 
the  Book  of  Minutes  of  said  Vestry  and  that  said  Reso- 
lution was  passed  by  the  following  vote.  For  said 
resolution,  Thomas  Hun  and  Charles  M.  Jenkins, 
Wardens,  Jonh  S.  Perry,  Stephen  I.  Roe,  Cornelius 
Schuyler,  Samuel  Moffatt  and  Selden  E.  Marvin, 
Vestrymen. 

Selden  E.  Marvin, 

clerk  of  the  vestry  of 

Dated  Albany,  March  27th,  1870.^ 

I,  Thomas  Hun,  Warden,  presiding  at  a  regular 
meeting  of  the  Vestry  of  "The  Rector  and  Inhabitants 
of  the  city  of  Albany  in  communion  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  New  York,"  com- 
monly called  and  known  as  "St.  Peter's  Church  in  the 
city  of  Albany,"  held  on  Saturday  the  ninth  day  of 
April,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventy,  in  the 
vestry  room  of  said  Church  and  We,  Selden  E.  Mar- 
vin and  John  S.  Perry,  Vestrymen  of  said  Church,  do 
hereby  certify,  that  at  the  above  stated  meeting  of  the 
Vestry  of  the  above  stated  Corporation,  the  following 
resolution,  viz: 

'  Evidently  a  slip  of  the  pen  for  187 1. 


Appendices  515 

"Resolved,  That  the  Vestry  of  "The  Rector  and 
Inhabitants  of  the  city  of  Albany  in  communion  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  New 
York,"  commonly  called  and  known  as  "St.  Peter's 
Church  in  the  city  of  Albany"  in  pursuance  of  the 
second  section  of  the  act  hereinafter  mentioned  do  at  a 
regular  meetir.g  by  the  resolution  and  the  vote  there- 
upon determine  to  adopt  the  provisions  of  the  ninth, 
tenth,  eleventh,  twelfth,  thirteenth,  fourteenth,  fifteenth, 
sixteenth  and  seventeenth  clauses  of  Section  One  of  the 
said  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  New  York, 
passed  May  9,  1868,  entitled  "An  Act  to  amend  the 
acts  to  provide  for  the  incorporation  of  religious  socie- 
ties so  far  as  the  same  relates  to  Churches  in  Communion 
with  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,"  and  that  notice 
of  this  vote  of  the  Vestrv,  and  that  the  same  will  be 
submitted  for  ratification  to  the  qualified  voters  at  the 
next  annual  election  for  Wardens  and  V^estrymen  of 
said  Church  be  given  by  the  Rector,  if  there  be  one,  or 
if  there  be  none,  or  he  be  absent,  by  the  officiating 
minister,  or  by  a  Church  Warden  in  the  time  of  Divine 
Service,  for  two  Sundays  next  previous  to  said  next 
Annual  Election." 

Was  authorized  and  approved  by  the  Vestry  at  a 
regular  meeting  thereof  and  that  the  Vestry  determined 
to  adopt  the  same.  And  I,  Thomas  Hun,  Warden  do 
further  certify  that  I  presided  at  the  next  stated  general 
election  of  Wardens  and  Vestrymen  of  "The  Rector 
and  Inhabitants  of  the  City  of  Albany  in  Communion 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  New 
York,"  commonly  called  and  known  as  "St.  Peter's 
Church  in  the  city  of  Albany,"  held  on  Easter  Tues- 
day, the  nineteenth  day  of  April,  One  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  Seventy,  and  that  we  THOMAS  HUN 
and  JOHN  S.  PERRY  were  in  attendance  upon  and 
voted  at  said  election  and  were  present  at  the  counting 
of  the  votes  thereat  and  we  Thomas  Hun,  John  S. 
Perry,  Samuel  Moffatt  do  certify  that  the  resolution   of 


5i6  Saint  Peter's  Church 

the  Vestry  as  above  stated,  was  submitted  to  and  ratified 
by  a  majority  of  the  votes  of  all  the  qualified  voters, 
voting  at  the  next  stated  annual  election  of  Wardens 
and  Vestrymen,  viz.  on  Easter  Tuesday,  April  nine- 
teenth, one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventy,  notice 
of  which  proposed  change  and  of  the  vote  of  the  Vestry, 
and  that  the  same  would  be  submitted  for  ratification  at 
such  election,  was  given  at  the  time  and  in  the  manner 
as  is  required  for  a  notice  of  an  election  as  is  provided  in 
the  tenth  clause  of  the  first  section  of  Chapter  803, 
Laws  of  New  York,  1868,  viz:  by  the  officiating 
minister  giving  notice  of  said  proposed  change  and  the 
action  of  the  vestry  thereupon  in  time  of  divine  service 
two   Sundays   next   previous   to  day  fixed  for  the  stated 

annual  election.  rj,,  jj 

1  nomas  Hun, 

John  S.  Perry, 

o^  .      r  XT       VI  Samuel   Moffatt. 

State  of  New  York 

Albany  City  and  County:  On  the  30th  day  of 
March,  A.  D.,  1871,  before  me  came  the  within 
named  Thomas  Hun,  John  S.  Perry  and  Samuel 
Moffatt,  all  residents  of  the  City  of  Albany  aforesaid, 
to  me  known  to  be  the  persons  described  in  and 
who  executed  the  foregoing  instrument  and  severally 
acknowledged  the  execution  thereof 

Amasa  J.  Parker  Jr. 

Notary  Public. 

In  and  for  the  County  of  Albany,  State  of  New  York. 

Recorded    in   the   Clerk's    Office   of  the    County    of 

Albany  the  30th  day  of  March  1 87 1  at  three  hours  P.  M. 

In  Book  No.  2  of  Miscellaneous  Records  on  page  165. 

John  McEwen, 

Clerk 
An  Act  to  amend  the  acts  to  provide  for  the  incor- 
poration of  religious  societies,  so  far  as  the  same  relate 
to  churches  in  connection  with  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church.      Passed  May  9,  1868. 


Appendices  517 

9.  The  male  persons  qualified  as  aforesaid,  provided 
they  shall  also  have  belonged  to  such  church  or  congre- 
gation for  twelve  months  immediately  preceding  shall, 
in  every  year  thereafter,  on  the  day  in  Easter  week  so 
fixed  for  that  purpose,  elect  two  church  wardens,  and  as 
many  vestrymen  (not  less  than  four  nor  more  than 
eight),  as  shall  have  been  legally  determined  to  consti- 
tute part  of  the  vestry. 

10.  Notice  shall  be  given  of  such  election  by  the 
rector,  if  there  be  one,  or  if  there  be  none,  or  he  be 
absent,  by  the  officiating  minister  or  by  a  church  warden, 
for  two  Sundays  next  previous  to  the  day  so  fixed,  in 
time  of  divine  service. 

1 1.  Whenever  a  vacancy  in  the  board  so  constituted, 
shall  happen  by  death  or  otherwise,  the  vestry  shall 
order  a  special  election  to  supply  such  vacancy;  of 
which  notice  shall  be  given  in  the  time  of  divine 
service,  at  least  ten  days  previous  thereto. 

12.  The  notice  of  any  election,  stated  or  otherwise, 
shall  specify  the  place,  day  and  hour  of  holding  the 
same.  The  provisions  contained  in  the  preceding  sixth 
clause,  shall  apply  to  all  elections. 

13.  An  election  to  supply  a  vacancy,  and  also  the 
stated  annual  election,  shall  be  holden  immediately  after 
morning  service;  and  at  all  such  elections  the  rector,  or 
if  there  be  none,  or  he  be  absent,  one  of  the  church 
wardens  selected  for  the  purpose  by  a  majority  of  the 
duly  qualified  voters  present;  or  if  no  warden  be  pres- 
ent, a  vestryman  (selected  in  like  manner)  shall  preside, 
and  receive  the  votes  of  the  electors,  and  be  the  return- 
ing officer;  and  shall  enter  the  proceedings  in  the  book 
of  the  mintues  of  the  vestry,  and  sign  his  name  thereto, 
and  offer  the  same  to  as  many  electors  present  as  he 
shall  think  fit,  to  be  by  them  also  signed  and   certified. 

14.  The  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  chosen  at 
any  of  the  said  elections,  shall  hold  their  offices  until 
the  expiration  of  the  year  for  which  they  shall  be 
chosen,  and  until  others  are  chosen  in   their  stead;  and 

34 


5i8  Saint  Peter's  Church 

shall  have  power  to  call  and  Induct  a  rector  to  such 
church  or  congregation,  as  often  as  there  shall  be  a 
vacancy  therein,  and  to  fix  his  salary  or   compensation. 

15.  No  board  or  meeting  of  such  vestry  shall  be 
held,  unless  at  least  three  days'  notice  thereof  shall  be 
given  in  writing,  under  the  hand  of  the  rector  or  of  one 
of  the  church  wardens;  except  that  for  the  first  meeting 
after  an  election,  twenty-four  hours'  notice  shall  be 
sufficient  and  no  such  board  shall  be  competent  to 
transact  any  business  unless  the  rector,  if  there  be  one, 
and  at  least  one  of  the  church  wardens,  and  a  majority 
of  the  vestrymen  be  present.  But  if  the  rector  be 
absent  from  the  State,  and  shall  have  been  so  absent  for 
over  four  calendar  months,  or  if  the  meeting  has  been 
called  by  the  rector,  and  he  be  absent  therefrom,  the 
board  shall  be  competent  to  transact  all  business,  if 
there  be  present  one  church  warden,  and  a  majority  of 
the  vestrymen  except  that  in  the  absence  of  the  rector, 
no  measure  shall  be  taken  for  affecting  a  sale  or  disposi- 
tion of  the  real  property,  nor  may  any  sale  or  disposition 
of  the  capital  or  principal  of  the  personal  estate  of  such 
corporation  be  made,  nor  any  act  done  which  shall 
impair  the  rights  of  such  rector. 

16.  The  rector,  if  there  be  one,  and  if  not,  then  the 
church  warden  present,  or  if  both  the  church  wardens 
be  present,  then  the  church  warden  who  shall  be  called 
to  the  chair  by  a  majority  of  votes,  shall  preside  at  every 
meeting  of  the  board,  and  have  the  casting  vote. 

17.  Whenever  any  corporation,  organized  under 
the  provisions  of  this  act,  shall  deem  it  for  the  interest 
of  such  corporation  to  change  the  number  of  its  vestry- 
men, it  shall,  and  may  be  lawful  for  such  corporation 
to  change  the  same,  provided  that  the  number  of  such 
vestrymen  shall  not  thereby  be  made  less  than  four,  or 
more  than  eight.  And  in  order  to  effect  such  change, 
the  same  shall  be  authorized  and  approved  by  the  vestry 
at  a  regular  meeting  thereof  and  shall  then  at  the  next 
stated  annual   election   for  wardens  and  vestrymen,  be 


Appendices  519 

submitted  to,  and  ratified  by  a  majority  of  tlie  votes  of 
all  the  qualified  voters,  voting  at  such  elections;  notice 
of  which  proposed  change,  and  that  the  same  will  be 
submitted  for  ratification  at  such  election,  shall  be  given 
at  the  same  time,  and  in  the  same  manner  as  is  required 
for  notice  of  the  said  election;  if  such  change  be  thus 
ratified,  a  certificate  shall  be  made  setting  forth  the 
resolution  of  the  vestry,  and  the  proceedings  to  ratify 
the  same,  together  with  the  fact  of  the  notice  being 
given  as  required,  and  shall  be  ackowledged  or  proved 
and  recorded  in  the  same  manner  as  is  required  for  the 
original  certificate  of  organization  and  thereupon  the 
number  of  vestrymen  to  constitute  a  part  of  the  vestry 
of  such  corporation,  shall  be  such  as  shall  be  fixed  by 
the  proceedings  to  effect  such  change.  But  such  change 
shall  not  take  effect  or  be  operative,  until  the  certificate 
above  mentioned  shall  have  been  duly  recorded. 


Chapters  V,  VIII,  Pages  97,  167 
THE  BURIAL  PLACE  OF  LORD  HOWE 

The  contemporary  accounts  of  the  death  of  Lord 
Howe,  now  accessible,  are  found  in  The  New  Tork 
Mercury  for  Monday,  July  24,  1758,  published  in  New 
York  city  by  Hugh  Gaine,  and  in  the  Annual  Register, 
for  1758,  published  by  assignment  from  Joseph  Dods- 
ley,  in  London.  The  following  extracts  give  the 
particulars  of  the  skirmish  at  Trout  Brook.  In  the 
Mercury  there  is  a  long  and  well  written  letter  from  a 
gentleman  at  Lake  George,  dated  July  11,  1758,  in 
which,  after  describing  the  march  of  General  Abercrom- 
bie's  army  and  its  embarkation  on  Lake  George  in 
whale  boats,  and  noting  the  capture  of  an  outpost  of  the 
enemy,  with  a  large  quantity  of  provisions,  he  says: 

"By  nine  o'clock  the  whole  army  was  landed,  and  a 
disposition  made  of  seven  thousand  men  to  march 
toward  the   Saw-Mills,  another   post    the    enemy    were 


520  Saint  Peter's  Church 

possessed  of,  about  half-way  between  the  advanced 
guard  and  the  Fort.  They  had  not  advanced  above 
two  miles  before  one  of  the  flank  guards,  commanded 
by  Lord  Howe,  was  fired  upon  by  a  party  of  about  five 
hundred  of  the  enemy  in  ambush.  His  Lordship  was 
shot  through  the  breast  and  died  instantly.  Colonel 
De  Lancey  was  very  near  him,  but  escaped  unhurt.  We 
routed  the  party  very  soon,  took  a  hundred  and  fifty 
two  prisoners,  and  killed  near  three  hundred.  On  our 
side  the  killed  and  wounded  did  not  exceed  twenty.  We 
continued  in  possession  of  the  ground  with  four  hundred 
men  all  night.      This  was   the  business  of  the  6th." 

Mr.  Winslow  C.  Watson,  in  his  '^^ General  View  and 
Agricultural  Survey  of  the  County  of  Essex,"  says:^ 

"The  fearless  Howe  led  the  van  of  this  magnificent 
army.  The  little  cove,  still  known  as  Howe's  Landing, 
indicates  the  point  where,  on  the  6th  of  July,  1758, 
the  army  disembarked.  That  night,  Howe,  reposing 
on  his  bear-skin  couch,  with  Stark,  discussed  with  an 
anxious  and  foreboding  spirit,  the  hopes  and  fears  of 
the  morrow.  Equal  in  age,  alike  daring  and  intrepid, 
the  one  a  descendant  of  royalty  and  the  other  a  humble 
pioneer  of  New  Hampshire,  there  existed  between  them 
a  kindred  spirit  and  high  mutual  esteem.  The  English 
army  advanced  from  the  landing  in  four  columns. 
That  led  by  Howe,  bewildered  in  the  intricacies  of  the 
dense  forest,  encountered  a  fugitive  battalion  of  the 
French,  wandering  in  equal  perplexity.  The  latter, 
composed  of  French  and  Indians  familiar  with  that  war- 
fare, promptly  and  vigorously  assailed  their  enemy. 
The  British  regulars,  surprised  and  intimidated  by  the 
savage  war-whoop,  recoiled  and  faltered.  The  Provin- 
cial Rangers  of  Stark  and  Rogers  saved  the  day. 

"In  the  death  of  Lord  Howe,  who  fell  at  the  first 
assault,  the   British   army   lost   its   vital   principle — the 

'  In  Transactions  of  the  New  York  State  Agricultural  Society,  Vol. 
XII,   1852,  p.  676,  et  seq 


Appendices  521 

controlling  and  guiding  spirit  of  its  success.  Generous 
and  gentle,  bold  and  accomplished,  instinct  with  genius 
and  heroism,  he  died  deeply  lamented.  Massachusetts 
conferred  on  him  a  monument  in  Westminster  Abbey. 

"The  next  day  a  single  barge  retraced  the  track  of 
the  flotilla  bearing  the  body  of  the  young  lord,  who  but 
yesterday  had  led  the  brilliant  pageant.  Philip  Schuyler, 
then  just  entering  upon  his  distinguished  career,  escorted 
the  remains  with  all  the  tenderness  and  reverence  due 
the  illustrious  dead.  The  body  was  conveyed  to 
Albany,  and  buried  in  St.  Peter's  Episcopal  Church, 
which  stood  in  the  middle  of  State  street.  His  obsequies 
were  performed  with  every  pomp  of  military  display, 
and  all  the  solemnities  of  religious  ritual.  Heraldic 
insignia  marked  the  location  of  the  grave.  Forty-four 
years  had  elapsed,  and,  in  the  progress  of  improvement, 
that  edifice  was  demolished  and  the  grave  of  Howe 
exposed.  A  double  coffin  was  revealed.  The  outer 
one,  which  was  made  of  white  pine,  was  nearly  decayed, 
but  the  other,  formed  of  heavy  mahogany,  was  almost 
entire.  In  a  few  spots  it  was  wasted,  and  the  pressure 
of  the  earth  had  forced  some  soil  into  the  interior. 
When  the  lid  was  uncovered,  the  remains  appeared 
clothed  in  a  rich  silk  damask  cerement,  in  which  they 
were  enshrouded  on  his  interment.  The  teeth  were 
bright  and  perfect,  the  hair  stiffened  by  the  dressing  of 
the  period,  the  queue  entire,  the  ribbon  and  double  brace 
apparently  new  and  jet  black.  All,  on  exposure,  shrunk 
into  dust,  and  the  relics  of  the  high-bred  and  gallant 
peer  were  conveyed  bv  vulgar  hands  to  the  common 
charnel-house  and  mingled  with  the  promiscuous  dead." 

Mr.  Watson's  reputation  as  a  careful  and  accurate 
historian  stands  deservedly  high.  He  had  the  advan- 
tage in  writing  his  history  of  the  retentive  memory  and 
keen  observation  of  his  father,  the  Hon.  Elkanah 
Watson,  who  knew  well  the  chief  actors  in  the  American 
Revolution,  and  who  during  a  residence  in  Albany  from 
1790  to   1807,   was  intimately  associated  with  General 


522  Saint  Peter's  Church 

Schuyler,  and  being  a  member  of  the  Vestry  of  St. 
Peter's,  could  testify  to  the  opening  of  the  tomb  under 
the  chancel  of  St.  Peter's  in  1802,  and  probably  heard 
from  General  Schuyler's  own  lips  the  story  of  the  sad 
journey  to  Albany,  and  the  account  of  the  funeral  of 
Lord  Howe,  the  friend  of  his  youth.  Mr.  Watson's 
words  receive  a  strong  confirmation  from  that  upright 
jurist,  the  Hon.  James  Kent,  Chancellor  of  the  State 
of  New  York,  who  in  a  Life  of  General  Schuyler,  pub- 
lished by  that  learned  antiquarian,  Joel  Munsell,  in  the 
first  volume  of  his  Annals  of  Albany,*  says:  "He 
(Schuyler),  was  with  Lord  Howe  when  he  fell  by  the 
fire  of  the  enemy,  on  landing  at  the  north  end  of  the 
lake;  and  he  (Schuyler)  was  appointed  [as  he  himself 
informed  me)  to  convey  the  body  of  that  young  and 
lamented  nobleman  to  Albany,  where  he  was  buried 
with  appropriate  solemnities  in  the  Episcopal  Church." 

Of  the  supposed  discovery  at  Ticonderoga,  we 
quote  this  account  from  The  Ticonderoga  Sentinel  of 
October  17,  1889: 

"Thursday,  October  3,  while  some  laborers,  in  the 
employ  of  Alex.  Lee,  were  digging  the  trench  for  a 
sewer  from  the  Academy,  when  in  front  of  E.  M. 
Gifford's  place,  one  of  the  men,  Peter  Dushan,  dis- 
covered about  four  feet  below  the  surface,  a  partially 
decayed  coffin  containing  human  remains.  At  the  head 
of  the  coffin  was  a  piece  of  plumbago,  or  black  lead, 
and  a  stone  with  one  flat  side.  There  has  been  con- 
siderable speculation  as  to  whose  remains  they  were. 
The  place  where  they  were  found  was  carefully  examined 
for  any  relic  that  might  throw  light  on  the  subject,  but 
nothing  was  discovered  at  the  time,  save  the  rusty  nails 
of  the  coffin,  which  are  old-fashioned  hand-made  nails 
such  as  are  found  in  the  ruins  of  the  old  fort. 

"Peter  Dushan  took  the  piece  of  plumbago  and  the 
stone  home  with  him,  just  as  they  were  dug  up,  covered 

*  P.   250,  et  seq. 


Appendices  523 

with  a  hard  incrustation  of  lime  and  clay.  On  Wednes- 
day evening  Mr.  Dushan,  who  can  neither  read  nor 
write,  took  the  stone  tablet  to  the  law  office  of  John  C. 
Fenton,  town  clerk,  and  there  after  the  removal  of  the 
clay  it  was  found  to  be  rudely  chiseled  with  the  follow- 
ing words: 

IN  MEM. 

OF 

Lo.  HOWE 

KILLED 

TROUT 

BROOK. 

"These  words  were  evidently  picked  into  the  stone 
with  a  bayonet  or  other  sharp  instrument. 

"It  is  a  stone  irregularly  shaped,  apparently  lime- 
stone, with  one  partially  smooth  side,  about  seven  by 
nine  inches,  and  will  weigh  thirty-five  or  forty  pounds. 
The  bones  are  partially  and  some  wholly  decayed,  many 
of  them  being  broken  when  removed  from  their  resting- 
place.  The  coffin  was  probably  of  pine,  although  it  is 
difficult  to  say,  as  the  remains  of  the  same  are  in  flakes 
or  decayed  pieces,  about  five-eighths  of  an  inch  thick. 
The  evidence  seems,  to  be  conclusive  that  the  remains 
are  those  of  Lord  Howe." 

The  writer  in  the  "Sentinel"  follows  the  account  of 
the  finding  of  the  tombstone  with  an  historical  summary 
upon  the  expedition  to  Ticonderoga,  and  the  services 
and  character  of  Lord  Howe.  He  argues  for  the 
authenticity  of  the  stone  and  remains,  on  the  assertions 
that  in  1802,  when  the  first  St.  Peter's  was  demolished, 
no  body  was  found  in  the  place  where  it  was  said  to 
have  been  buried,  and  that  when  the  second  St.  Peter's 
was  taken  down,  in  1859,  there  was  no  coffin  found 
bearing  the  name  of  Lord  Howe. 

As  evidence  of  the  highest  contemporaneous  character 
this  extract  from  a  letter  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Battershall 
to  the  New  York  Evening  Post  during  the  controversy 
in  the   fall  of  1889  upon  this  subject  is  given: 


524  Saint  Peter's  Church 

"The  burial  register  which  covers  the  date  of  the 
death  of  Lord  Howe  is  unfortunately  lost,  but  among 
the  old  registers  and  account-books  preserved  in  the 
vault  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  there  is  a  book  of  treas- 
urer's accounts,  bearing  the  title,  'Church  Book  began 
ye  15th  Aprill,  17 18.'  This  book  contains  the  follow- 
ing entry,  which  I  copy  verbatim  et  literatim  '1758, 
Sept.  5th.  To  cash  Rt.  for  ground  to  Lay  the  Body  of 
Lord  how  &  Pall.  ^5.  6.  o.' 

"This  official  record  goes  far  to  establish  the  fact  that 
the  body  of  Lord  Howe  was  buried  in  the  church 
ground  in  Albany.  In  regard  to  the  subsequent  fate 
and  the  present  sepulture  of  the  relics  of  the  illustrious 
Englishman,  the  best  I  can  do  is  to  quote  the  statement 
made  to  me  yesterday  by  Mr.  Jesse  Potts,  one  of  the 
Building  Committee,  which,  in  1859,  had  charge  of 
the  erection  of  the  present  St.  Peter's  Church — the 
third  edifice  in  the  history  of  the  parish. 

"In  the  conversation  referred  to,  Mr.  Potts  stated 
that,  'At  the  demolition  of  the  second  St.  Peter's 
Church,  two  coffins  were  discovered  under  the  chancel 
of  said  church.  One  of  them  bore  the  inscription,  on 
a  silver  plate:  'In  this  coffin  are  the  bones  of  my  father, 
James  Stevenson,  and  my  five  children.'  This  coffin 
was  removed  to  the  Albany  Rural  Cemetery.  The 
other  coffin  was  opened  in  the  presence  of  the  Building 
Committee.  It  contained  the  skull  and  larger  bones  of 
a  human  body.  Also  a  large  tuft  of  human  hair,  about 
six  inches  long,  which  was  tied  with  a  black  silk  ribbon, 
stained  but  undecayed.  This  coffin  bore  no  inscription 
but  it  was  supposed  to  contain  the  remains  of  Lord 
Howe.  The  remains  were  deposited  in  a  stout  box, 
which  was  buried  under  the  vestibule  of  the  present 
church,  being  inclosed  within  a  brick  wall  which  forms 
part  of  the  foundation  of  the  vestibule." 

Prof.  Edward  J.  Owen  in  support  of  the  authen- 
ticity of  the  discovery  at  Ticonderoga,  has  printed 
an  abstract  of    "Contemporaneous   History,"   bearing 


Appendices  525 

upon  the  death  of  Lord  Howe,  and  appended  several 
affidavits  concerning  the  manner  of  the  discovery  and 
the  careful  preservation  of  the  stone  and  remains  by 
the  town  authorities.  The  first  affidavit,  from  Joseph 
Peterson,  a  resident  of  Ticonderoga,  gives  the  reminis- 
cences by  his  grandfather  and  great  uncle  of  their  father, 
a  member  of  Captain  Rogers'  Rangers,  who  they 
asserted  was  present  at  the  burial  of  Lord  Howe,  and 
'being  a  stone-cutter  by  trade'  lettered  the  stone  placed 
in  the  grave.  This  affidavit  is  based  upon  the  recollec- 
tions of  an  old  man.  Had  Mr.  Peterson's  father  been 
the  possessor  of  such  remarkably  interesting  informa- 
tion it  is  somewhat  strange  that  searchers  for  contem- 
poraneous knowledge,  and  local  traditions  of  a  war  so 
fruitful  as  the  last  one  on  this  continent  between  France 
and  England,  such  as  Benson  J.  Lossing,  should  have 
failed  to  discover  him,  and  that  only  when  no  verifica- 
tion of  his  statements  can  be  made,  Mr.  Peterson 
remembers  the  family  tradition. 

It  may  be  cordially  admitted  that  the  stone  was 
probably  placed  near  the  site  where  Lord  Howe  fell 
but  that  such  men  as  General  Schuyler,  Chancellor  Kent 
and  Mr.  Watson  could  be  mistaken  or  agree  in  giving 
a  false  impression  is  difficult  to  believe. 

The  "Church  Book"  records  moneys  received  and  dis- 
bursed; it  contains  records  of  vestry  elections,  and  also 
other  items  of  parochial  history,  especially  financial. 
Appended  to  the  volume,  but  forming  no  part  of  it 
originally,  is  the  pew  list  for  several  years.  The  entry 
concerning  the  burial  of  Lord  Howe  is  similar  in  form 
to  others  at  the  same  period,  as  for  example: 

"1758,  August  27.  To  cash  Rt.  for  ground  to  lay 
the  body  of  Captain   Barkmann  and  Paull.  ^5.  6.  o. " 

The  pall,  which  it  will  be  remembered  was  a  cover- 
ing for  the  coffin,  used  as  the  body  was  borne  up  the 
aisle  or  to  the  place  of  burial,  was  only  required  for 
actual  burials.  There  is  no  dispute  concerning  other 
interments    recorded    in    a    similar    form.      No    charge 


526  Saint  Peter's  Church 

would  have  been  entered,  judging  from  the  manner  in 
which  records  were  made  in  the  ' '  Church  Book, ' '  unless  it 
were  for  a  real  transaction.  The  suggestion  that  it 
might  have  been  money  returned  must  be  dismissed,  as 
then  it  would  appear  in  another  place,  and  been  in  some 
other  form,  as  may  be  ascertained  by  several  items 
found  in  the  "Book, "  of  funds  received  from  church 
wardens  and  others  in  whose  hands  they  were.  The 
conclusion  from  the  nature  of  the  entry  and  the  position 
it  occupies,  must  be  that  it  is  contemporary,  documen- 
tary evidence  of  the  strongest  kind  concerning  the  fact 
of  the  receipt  by  the  authorities  of  St.  Peter's  parish  of 
a  money  charge  for  the  burial  of  the  body  of  Lord 
Howe  within  the  walls  of  its  parish  church.  The  date 
of  its  receipt  may  not  be  the  actual  day  of  burial.  It 
is  possible  that  the  interval  may  have  been  used  in 
ascertaining  from  the  relatives  of  Lord  Howe  their 
pleasure  concerning  the  final  disposition  of  the  body  of 
their  kinsman. 

The  universal  tradition  until  1889,  of  the  burial  in 
Albany,  the  testimony  of  men  of  the  highest  character, 
and  the  entry  in  the  "Church  Book,"  are,  until  some 
other  contemporaneous  document  is  found,  proofs  of 
the  most  irrefragible  sort,  that  the  remains  now  resting 
within  the  foundations  of  the  present  St.  Peter's  are 
those  of  the  brilliant  young  Englishman  whose  life  was 
given  for  the  good  of  the  Colonies,  George  Augustus 
Scrope,  Viscount  Howe. 

Has  not  the  time  arrived  for  the  people  of  Albany, 
a  city  which  Lord  Howe  loved,  to  see  that  within  the 
fabric  of  the  ancient  parish  of  St.  Peter  with  all  its 
historic  prestige,  with  the  chaste  and  appropriate  memo- 
rials of  those  active  in  Church  and  State  which  adorn 
its  stately  and  beautiful  church  building,  there  is 
placed  in  that  corner  of  the  vestibule  beneath  which 
repose  all  that  is  mortal  of  George  Augustus  Scrope, 
Lord  Viscount  Howe,  a  tablet  with  a  suitable  inscrip- 
tion ? 


Appendices  527 

Chapter  VII,    Page   164 
EPITAPH  OF  THE  REV.   THOMAS  ELLISON 

The  inscription  upon  the  tombstone  of  Mr.  Ellison, 

which  is  a  large  slab  of  marble,  and  now  in  the  plot  of 

St.  Peter's  Church  in  the  Rural  Cemetery,  is: 

Here  lie  interred  the  remains  of 

the  Rev.  Thomas  Ellison,  A.M. 

of  ^eens  College,  Oxford,  Gr.  Brit. 

One  of  the  Regents  of  the  University  of  this  State 

and  for  fifteen  years  Rector  of  St.  Peter  s  Church 

in  this  city: 

who  departed  this  life 

26  April,  1802, 

aged  -/J  years 

His  Christian,  social  and  liberal  virtues  have  left  impressions 

on  his  affectionate  congregation^  and  on  all  who 

knew  him,  warm  and  durable. 

Erected  as  a  tribute  of  respect,  by  his  friend 

P.  S.  V.  Rensselaer. 


Chapter  X,    Page  229 

QUIT    CLAIM    DEED    OF    THE    REVD    WM.  B.   LACY    TO 

THE  LANDS  OF  S.   PETER'S  PARISH 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come,  I  the 
Subscriber,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church  in  the  City  of 
Albany  and  State  of  New  York  send  greeting.  Whereas, 
disputes  and  disagreements  have  heretofore  existed  in 
the  Congregation  of  the  said  Church  in  relation  to  a 
piece  or  parcel  of  land  situate  in  the  first  Ward  of  the 
said  City,  and  conveyed  by  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and 
Commonalty  thereof  unto  the  Rector  Church  Wardens 
and  Vestrymen  of  the  said  Church; — it  having  been 
alledged  on  the  one  hand,  that  the  said  piece  or  parcel 
of  land,  or  some  portion  thereof,  had  in  pursuance  of 
a  contract  or  agreement  to  that  effect  with  the  Rector, 
Church  Wardens,  and  Vestrymen  of  Trinity  Church  in 
the  City  of  New  York,  been   forever  set  apart  as  the 


528  Saint  Peter's  Church 

sole  and  exclusive  property  of  the  Rector  of  St.  Peter's 
Church  aforesaid  for  the  time  being  free  from  the  let, 
molestation,  or  controul  of  the  vestry  thereof,  and  on 
the  other  hand  it  having  been  denied  that  such  a  con- 
tract or  agreement  had  ever  been  made,  or  entered  into, 
but  that  it  had  been  stipulated  by  the  vestry  of  St. 
Peter's  Church,  that  they  would  in  consideration  of  a 
certain  sum  of  money  given  by  the  said  Corporation  of 
Trinity  Church  towards  the  building  of  a  new  Church 
for  the  Congregation  of  St.  Peter's,  forever  set  apart 
the  said  piece  or  parcel  of  Land,  or  some  portion  thereof 
for  the  use  and  support  of  the  Rector  of  the  said  Church 
for  the  time  being  without  divesting  the  Corporation  of 
St.  Peter's  Church,  of  the  title  and  property  thereof, 
and  that  such  stipulation  had  been  subsequently 
rescinded  by  the  mutual  consent  of  the  parties  thereto, 
and  a  portion  of  the  said  land  alienated.  Now  there- 
fore, I,  the  said  subscriber,  entering  upon  the  office  of 
Rector  as  aforesaid,  in  order  to  prevent  further  doubt 
or  controversy  and  to  preserve  and  promote  Christian 
unity  and  peace  in  the  said  congregation  do  hereby 
voluntarily  and  absolutely  renounce  for  myself  all  right, 
title,  interest,  claim,  property  and  demand  in  or  to  the 
said  piece  or  parcel  of  Land  or  any  portion  thereof 
separate  or  distinct  from  the  Corporation  of  St.  Peter's 
Church  aforesaid,  or  other  than  that  which  vests  in  me 
in  common  with  the  Church  Wardens  and  vestrymen 
thereof  by  virtue  of  my  said  office  of  rector,  and  as  a 
constituent  member  of  the  said  Corporation. 

In  witness  whereof  I  have  here- 
Sealed  and  delivered  unto  set  my  hand  and  seal  the 
in  the  presence  of  sixth   day   of  September  in  the 

Ira  Porter.  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 

eight  hundred  and  nineteen. 
Wm  B  Lacey 
Indorsed:      Wm  B  Lacey 

Quit  claim  to 

all  church  property. 


Appendices  529 

Chapter  XI,    Page  265 

Appended  to  the  report  of   Mr.  Meads   in    1836  is  a 
list  of  the  property  of  the  parish  at  that  time: — 

5   City   Hall   lots   leased   in  perpetuity  to  the 

Corporation,  at  ^5  each  per  year ^25  00 

No  5   Pine  Street,  for  50  years,  from  May  i, 

1835,  to  E.  Artcher  at  $65  per  year.  ...  65  00 
No.    6  &  7   Pine   Street,    for   50  years,    from 

May    I,    1835   to   E.    Artcher,   at  $120, 

pr.  year 1 20  00 

No.  8    &   9   Pine   Street,    for   50   years  from 

May  I,  1835  to  E.  Artcher  at  $120  pr. 

year 1 20  00 

No.    I,  2,  3,  4,    Lodge   Street  for   30   years, 

from  May  i,  1827,  to  F.  V.  Wormer,  at 

I50,  each 200  00 

No.  2   Maiden   Lane,  99   years  from  May  i, 

1825,  to  J.  D.  P.  Douw,  at  $20  pr.  year  20  00 
No.    1 8    Maiden     Lane    for    1 2    years    from 

May    I,  1836,  to    C.  Adams,  at   ^50,  pr 

year 50  00 

No.  17   Maiden  Lane,  21  years,  from   March 

27,    1827,  to  F.  Bloodgood  at  I50,  pr. 

year 50  00 

No.  19   Maiden  Lane  for  3  years,  from  April 

2,  1827,    to    J.    McFarland,   at  $50,  pr. 

year 50  00 

^700  00 


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WARDENS  AND  VESTRYMEN  OF  ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH 

1802-1899 

In  this  list  are  given  only  the  names  of  those  who  have  served  from 
1802  to  the  present  time.  The  records  previous  to  that  date  are  too 
incomplete  to  allow  any  satisfactory  list  to  be  compiled.  The  years  are 
inclusive. 


WARDENS 


Goldsbrow  Banyar,   1 802-1  805 
John  Stevenson,  1 802-1  805 
John  Tayler,  i  806-1  81  5 
Philip   S.    Van   Rensselaer,    1806- 

1815,  1820-1824 
Thomas  W.  Ford,  1816-1818 
James  Gibbons,  18 16-18 19 
George  Merchant,  181 9-1 821 
George  Upfold,  1822 
James  Gourlav,  1823-1831,  1834- 

1835 
William  A.  Duer,  i  824-1  829 
Agur   Wells    1829-1831,     1839- 

1841 
James     Stevenson,      1832-1833, 

1836,  1842 

Edwin  Crosswell,  1832,  1833 
Henry  Trowbridge,    1834,  1835, 

1837,  1838 


John  A.  Dix,  1836-1838 

John  Gott,  1 839-1 85 1 

Marcus   T.  Reynolds,  I  843-1  860 

John  C.  Spencer,    1852 

James  Taylor,   1853 

Daniel  D.  Barnard,  1854-1861 

John  Taylor,  1861-1863 

Orlando  Meads,  1861-1869 

John  Tayler  Cooper,   1864-1869, 

1875-1878 
Thomas  Hun,   1869-1872 
Charles  M.Jenkins,  1869-1871 
John  Tweddle,  1872-1875 
Harmon  Pumpelly,  1873-1878 
George  Dexter,  1879-1883 
John  S.  Perry,  1883.1889 
George  S.  Weaver  1884-1894 
Joseph  W.  Tillinghast,  1889-1899 
Theodore  Townsend,  1894 
Robert  C.  Pruyn,  i  899 


36 


534 


Saint  Peter's  Church 
VESTRYMEN 


Daniel  Hale,  i  802-1  807 

Dudley  Walsh,  1802-1806,1813, 

1814 
George  Merchant,    1802,     1803, 

1806,  1807,  1 8 10,  1812,  I  81  5 
William  Fryer,  1802-1808,  1810- 

.8.4 
George  Ramsay,  180Z-1803 
Samuel  Hill,   1802-1810 
P.  S.  Van  Rensselaer,    1802-1806 
Peter  Hilton,  1803-1805 
Jacob  Vanderheyden,    1804-1806 
Henry  Guest,  Jr.   1  804 
Charles  D.  Cooper,  1804 
William  Brown,  1805 
John  Gill,  1805,    1808-1 8 14 
Austin  Warner,  1806,  1807 
Giles    W.     Porter,      1806-181 1, 

1825,  1826,  1828 
Robert  Troup,  1807,    1808 
Peter  R.  Ludlow,  1807-1813 
Thomas  W.    Ford,    1808,    1811, 

1814 
James  Clark,  1808 
Ebenezer  Foot,   1809 
Sebastian  Visscher,  1 809 
George  Metcalf,  1809 
James  Daniels,  181 1-1814 
Henry  Walton,  1811-1814 
William  Fowler,  1812,  1813 
George  Shepherd,   1812 
William  H.  Jephson,  1813-1  814 
Edward  Willett,  1814 
Charles  Smyth,  1815-1825 
James  Gourlay,  181 5-1  8 18,  1820- 

1822 
Elijah  Hosford,  1815 


John  Meads,  1815-1818,   1835 
Henry  Trowbridge,     1815-1817, 

1820,  1824,  1828 
Ebenezer  Piatt,  1815 
Sandford  Cobb,  181  5-1  822,  1825, 

1832-1841 
Warner  Daniels,    1816,  1817 
John  V.  N.  Yates,  1816,  1817 
Benjamin  D.  Packard,  1816,  1817 
George      Uptbld,      1816,     1817, 

1819-1821 
Samuel  Payn,  1816 
Ananias  Mott,  1817,   1818 
Reuben  Smith,  1818 
John   Taylor,    1818,  1820-1822, 

1845-1851,   1854-1860 
Richard  Rosser,  1818 
John  Buckbee,  181  8-  1820,  1821, 

1828 
Ira  Porter,  1 8 19-1  83  i 
Agur  Wells,  1819,    1827,    1830, 

1836-1838 
George    W.   Stanton,    18 19-1822 
Jeremiah  Waterman,    1819,    1820 
William  Chapman,  1819 
James  Gibbons,  1  820 
William  A.  Duer,  1821-1823 
William  Cook,   i  821 
John    Gott,      1821-1828,      1833- 

1838 
Henry  B.  Davis,  1822 
John  W.  Yates,  I  823-1  827    . 
John  R.  Satterlee,  1823-1828 
George  Campbell,   1823 
Barent  P.Staats,  1  824-1  827,  I  829- 

1831 


Appendices 


535 


John    T.    Cooper,     1824-1827, 

1857-1863 
John  L.  Wendell,  1825-1830 
James  Stevenson,  1827 
Henry  Bammann,  i  829-1  830 
James  Porter,  i  829-1  832 
Edwin     Crosvvell,      1829-  1831, 

1844-1848 
Abiel  Bugbee,  1829-1830 
Henry  Bartow,   1829-1832 
Henry   Dibblee,  i  830-1  83  I 
Francis  Low,  1831- 
Herman  Leonard,   1832-1836 

John  S.  Walsh,   183 2-1  83 5 
Philip   S.    Van  Rensselaer,    1832- 
1835,  1838 

Charles  Dillon,   1832-1834 

Jabish  N.  M.  Hurd,  1832,   1833 

John  A.  Dix,  1833 

Leverett  Cruttenden,  1834,  1835 

Richard  Yates,  1834 

Aaron  Thorp,   1836 

Robert  A.  Sands,  1836-1837 

Julius  Rhoades,  1836 

Orlando  Meads,  1836  1861 

Robert    Whitlock,     1837,     1847- 
1854 

Visscher  Ten    Eyck,    1837-1839, 
1841-1842,   1844-1853,    1855 

Daniel  D.  Barnard,   1837 

Aaron  D.  Patchin,    1838-1840 

James  Taylor,    1839-1841 

Wm.    E.    Bleecker,    1839,   1840, 
1843-1848 

James  Kidd,     1839,  1843,   1857- 
1868,  1876-1879 

James  Dexter,    1840-1853 

Anthony  Blanchard,  1840,     1841 


Charles  H.  Payn,  1841,  1842 
John  F.  Townsend,   1842-1846 
Marcus  T.  Reynolds,  1842 
Thomas  Wright,  1842- 1844 
Wm.  Cooper,  i  843 
Dudley  Burwell,  1843 
Abraham    T.    Groesbeck,     1844- 

.847 
John  C.  Spencer,   1845-1851 
Jesse  C.  Potts,  1849-1855,  1862- 

1868 
[osiah  B.  Plumb,   1849-1860 
Stephen  Groesbeck,  1852-1854 
Gilbert  L.  Wilson'  1852-1855 
Edward  Hand,  1854-1863 
George  Dexter,   1855,  1856 
John  S.  Perry,  1856-1859,  1869- 

1883 
Edwin  Waterman,  1856 
Henry  Jenkins,  1856 
Wm.  N.  Fassett,  1857-1868 
Moses  Patten,    1860-1868 
John  V.  L.  Pruyn,  1861 
Harmon  Pumpelly,  1861-1868 
Joseph  Packard,  Junior,  I  863-1 865 
John  Tweddle,  1864-1868,  1871 
Philip  Ten  Eyck,   1866-1868 
George  A.  Wells,   1866-1868 
Lyman  Tremain,  1869-1873 
Erastus  Corning,  Jr.   1869-1871 
Selden  E.  Marvin,   1869,   1870 
Cornelius  Schuyler,  1869-1876 
Samuel  MofFatt,   1869-1871 
Stephen    H.    Hammond,      1869, 
1870 

Stephen  J.  Roe,  1869,    1870 
Albert  C.  Judson,  1871-1880 


536 


Saint  Peter's  Church 


Charles  S.  McEntee,  1 87 1-1876 
Henry  R.  Pierson,  1 872-1 884 
George  S.  Weaver,  1872-1884 
Clarence  Rathbone,  1873 
Edmund  L.  Judson,  1 880-1 890 
Grenville  Tremain,    1874-1878 
J.  Wilbur  Tillinghast,    1874-1889 
Henry  T.  Martin,  1877-1899 
Charles  M.  Jenkins,  1878 
Luther  H.  Tucker,  1879-1897 
Theodore  Townsend,    1 879-1 894 


F.  E.  Griswold,    1883-1895 
Henry  A.  Glassford,   1884,  18 
Robert  C.  Pruyn,  1885-1899 
John  Macdonald,    1885-1892 
Thomas  S.  Wiles,  1889 
Abraham  Lansing,   I  890- 1 899 
William  G.  Rice,  1892 
John  T.  Perry,   1894 
John  de  W.  Peltz,  1896 
Jesse  W.  Potts,  1897 
Charles  L.  Pruyn,  1899 


INDEX 


PAGE 


592 
211 

447 
17 
22 

35 

36 

134 


Adams,  C. 

Adams,  the  Rev.  Parker 
Affre,  Archbishop 
Albany,  site  of 

first  settlement  of 

importance  of 

fort  of 

Churches  in 

Reformed  Protestant  Dutch 

21,  155.  449 
Presbyterian  155,  313 

Lutheran  22,26,  159,  233 

Church  of  England,  see  St. 

Peter's 
Protestant  Episcopal 
All  Saints  Cathedral 

371.372,  421,  459 
St.  Paul's  242,  273 

Trinity  272,  313 

Grace  2S7,  288,  371,  422 

Holy  Innocents  208 

Babies'  Nurserj-  in  305 

Bible  and  Prayer  Book  Soci- 
ety of  239,  271,  2S2,  294 
Church  Congress  in  401 
Colonial  Congress  in            91-92 
Corporation  of 

41.  53,  134,  152,  243,  422,  494 
grants     cemeteries    to    the 
various     Churches.     1790  136 
'800  i7g_  180,  181 

Bi-Centennial  of  420423 

City  Hall  gi_  243 

Cily  School  150 

Committee  of  Safety 

125,  126,  127 
during  the  Revolution 

124,  125,  129,  130 
diocese  of,  set  off  from  New 
York  3^6 


Albany,    diocese  of,  erected  by 

the  General  Convention  347 

organised  348-355 

various      designations    pro- 
posed for  350 
election    of    Dr.    Doane   as 

Bishop  353 

his  consecration  357-361 

his  primary  address         362,  363 
action  on  offer  of  St.  Peter's 
Church  for  Episcopal  and 
diocesan  purposes  365 

purchase  by  Albany  church- 
men of  a  "Bishop's  House" 

369,  370 
.-^Iger,  the  Rev.  Wm.  J.  304 

Alna,  Me  235 

Ancram,  N.  Y.  236 

Anderson,  Joseph  127 

Samuel  127 

Andros,  Major  Edmund      23,  24    26 
Andrews,  the  Rev.  William 

53,  55,  56,  74,  105,  492,  496,  497 
Annapolis,  Md.  201 

Anne,  Queen  of  England  497 

her    gifts   to    the    Mohawk 

Mission  53,  5^ 

her    gifts    to    "  her    Indian 

Chappel  of  the  Onondaw- 

gus"  54,55,480,488,489 

mentioned  105,  482 

Annual  Register,   The,  1758  519 

Amherst,  Sir  Jeffrey  loi 

Artcher,  E.  529 

Ashley,  the  Rev.  Asa  Sprague       440 


Baker,  Joseph  131 

Baldwin,  the  Rev.  Amos  G.  218 

Balltown,  Church  at  137,  igg 

Bamman,  Henry  245,  550 


538 


Index 


PAGE 
Banyar,  Goldsbiow 

91.  130.  i&i,  167,  168,  174,  319 

323.  476,  533 

window  3ig,  4,2,  476 

tablet  477 

Barber,  the  Rev.  Daniel  148 

Barclay,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Henry 

catechist  to  the  Mohawks  72,  74 
appointment  to  Albany  and 

Fort  Hunter  76 

reports  to  the  S.  P.  G.  77,  79,  8r 
letter  to  Gov.  Golden  77,  78 
elected     rector    of     Trinity 

Church,  New  York  City  81,  82 
mentioned  109^  ug 

Barclay,  the  Rev.  Thomas 

ancestry  45 

ordination  47 

chaplain  at  Fort  Albany  47 

missionary  of  the  S.  P.  G.  47 
letter  to  the  S.  P.  G.  49-51 

visits  the  Mohawk  Indians  52 
organizes   a  congregation  in 

Albany  52,  55 

builds  a  church  59,  60 

withdrawal  of  the  S.  P.  G. 

stipend  60 

letters  to  the  S.  P.  G.  63.64 

memorial  concerning  by  the 

clergy  of  New  York  65 

his  insanity  and  death  64-65 

mentioned 

449.   490.    492.    496,   499,   500 
501,    502,    509 
Mrs.  64-65 

John  123,  124,  502,  505 

Barnard,  Catherine  Walsh  478 

Daniel  Dewey 
272,    296,    302,    307,    316,   325 
327.  329,  479.  533.  535 
Barkman,  Capt.  525 

Bartow,  Henry  535 

Bass,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Edward    131 
Bassett,  the  Rev.  John  166 


PAGE 

Battershall,   the  Rev.    Dr.    Wal- 
ton W. 
rector     of    Christ    Churdi, 

Rochester,  N.  Y  376 

elected  rector  of  St.  Peter's  377 
letters  concerning  his  accept- 
ance 377,378 
his  acceptance  and  institu- 
tion                                378,  379 
made  Doctor  in  Divinity  by 

Union  College  396 

his  sermon  "T',*^  Moralities 

of  Nature"  3^7 

his  report  of  expenditures 
for  the  erection  of  the 
Parish  House  398 

fifth  anniversary  sermon  398-400 
letter  to  Bp.  Horatio  Potter  403 
chairman  of  Chancel  Com- 
mittee 4IQ 
sermon  at  re-opening  of  the 
church,  Oct,  18,  1885  413,  414 
Albany  bi-centennial  sermon 

,,  ,  .  420,  421 

niteentn    anniversary 

427.  428,  429 
anniversary  sermon 
The   Idea    and    Work   of  a 

City  Parish  429 

letter    upon    the    burial    of 

Lord  Howe  524,  525 

commemoration  of  the  twen- 
ty-fifth anniversary  of  his 
rectorship  442-448 

anniversary  sermon         447,  445 
response  to   congratulatory 

address  and  gifts  446 

gift  by  the  Clericus  of  Al- 
bany and  Troy  448 
Beach,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Abraham        138 
Bearcroft,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Philip  79,  86 
Beasley,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Frederick 

elected  rector  of  St.  Peter's  165 
assumes  his  duties  173 

inducted  into  St.  Peter's         177 
his  resignation  183 


Index 


539 


Beasley,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Frederick 

character  of  his  work       184-186 

mentioned  192,  197 

John  69,  71,  72 

Beck,  Dr.  J.  Romeyn  422 

Bedell,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Gregory  T.  304 

Bellomont,  Earl  of  38,  39,  498 

Bennett,  W.  66,  67 

Benson,  Hon.  Egbert  162 

William  502,  505 

Berry,  the  Rev.  Mr  379 

Beverwyck  19,  25,  486 

Bevington,  the  Rev.  John  A.         429 

Birdsall.  the  Rev.  Paul  H.    433,  440 

Bishop,  the  Rev.  E.  R.  368 

the  Rev.  Horace  M.  327 

Blanchard,  Anthony  535 

the  Rev.  Dr.  Joseph  379 

Bleecker,  Harmanus  422 

William  E. 

278,   282,    285,    287,   291,   295 

307,  3",  535 
Blocksidge,  James  411 

Bloodgood,  F.  529 

Bloomer,  Joshua  138 

Bloore,  Joshua  121 

Board  of  Trade  and  Plantations 

II,  71,  497,  498 
Boardman  and  Van  Voast  294 

Bogart,  Henry  I.  162 

Bordeaux,  France  486 

Boss,  Prof.  422 

Bostwick,   the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel 

350,  351 
Brathwaite,  the  Rev.  Francis  W.  375 
Bray,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  33,  34 
Bridgford,  John  317,  319,  320 

Bridgeford,  William  408 

Brockholss,  Capt.  Antony  26 

Brooke,  the  Rev.  John         44,  45,  47 
Brown,  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  328 

the  Rt.  Rev.  John  H.  H. 

349,  351,  356,  359,  3S4 
the  Rev.  Thomas,  chaplain 
of    27th    Regiment,    sup- 
plies at  Albany  loi 


Brown,  the  Rev.  Thomas 

appointed  to  Albany  104 

work  at  Fort  Hunter        104-106 
controversy   with    the    Rev. 
Theophilus  Chamberlain 

107.  loS 
resignation  of  Albany  108 

removal    to   Maryland   and 

death  108 

John  W.  133 

Capt.  Wm. 

179,  207,  20S,  231,  535 
Brownell.the  Rt.Rev.ThomasC. 

186   303 
Bruce  and  Clemshire  28S,  289 

Bruce,  the  Rev.  Nathaniel  F.        218 
Burlington,  N.  J.  44 

Buckbee,  John  534 

Bugbee,  Abiel  535 

Burne-Jones  471 

Burwell,  Dudley  535 

C 

Cadmus,  Cornelius  505 

Cagger,  Hon.  Peter  422 

Campbell,  George  534 

Caird,  the  Rev.  James  379 

Campbell,  Lieut.  James  114 

the  Rev.  Dr.  John  422 
Canada 

19.   38,   54,   80,    loi,    102,  4S5 
490 

Canajoharie  83,  107 

Capers,  Wm.  H.  361 

Capron,  the  Rev.  W.  W.  304 

Caratuck,  34 

Carter,  Miss  265 

Cartwright,  Robert  91 

Richard  505 
Central  New  York,  diocese  of  493 
Chalmers,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  259 

Chambers,  John                    '  92 

Chamberla)'ne,  John  40,  496 

Chapman,  William  534 
Charles  II.  King  of  England    24,  92 

Charlton,  the  Rev.  Richard  67 


540 


Index 


Chase,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Philander 

151,  153.  176.  219 
Church,  American    145,  151,  256,  302 

of  England  357 

in  the  colonies  23,  32 

chaplaincy  at  New  York     22,  29 

in  Albany,  see  St.  Peter's 

Lutheran 

in  Nieu  Nederlandt  21,  22 

in  New  York  159,  161 

plan    for   inclusion    in    the 
American  Church  160,  161 

in  Albany,  see  Albanj' 

Reformed  Protestant  Dutch 

established  in  Nieu   Neder- 
landt 20 

in  Albany,  see  Albany 

Protestant    Episcopal,    par- 
ishes of 

Trinity   Church,  New  York 
City   81,  82,  130,  245,  302,  310 

S.  Paul's  Chapel,  New  York 
City  346 

S.  John's  Chapel,  New  York 
City  300 

Grace   Church,  New    York 
City  310.  419 

S.    Thomas    Church,     New 
York  City  234,  329,  386 

Christ     Church,     Hartford, 
Conn.  268 

S.    Margaret's,       Lothbury, 
London  24 

S.  Paul's  Church,  Troy,  N.  Y. 

268,  328 

S.  Peter's  Church,  Auburn, 
N.  Y.  244 

S.  Luke's  Church,   Roches- 
ter, N.  Y.  26S 

S.  George's   Church,   Sche- 
nectady, N.  Y. 

133,  148,  211,  347 

S.  John's  Church,  Hartford, 
Conn.  340 

S.  John's  Church,  Stamford, 
Conn.  337 


Church,  S  John's  Church,  Stock- 
port, N.  Y.  370 
Grace  Church,  Newark,  N.J.  266 
Grace    Church,    Waterford, 

N.  Y.  211 

Christ    Church,    Cincinnati, 

Ohio  266 

Christ  Church,  Shrewsbury, 

N.  J.  68 

Christ  Church,  Rye,  NY.       64 
Christ    Church,    Rochester, 

N.  Y.  378 

Dorchester  Parish, Maryland   108 
S.    Luke's     Parish,     Queen 

Anne   County,  Maryland     loS 
In  Albany,  see  Albany 
Child's  Hospital  395 

Children's   Aid   Society   Indus- 
trial Schools  395 
Cincinnati,  Ohio                       219,  366 
Clark,  Capt.  Edward  76 
James                                           535 
the    Rev.    William    A.     in 

charge   of  St.  Peter's  223 

removal  to  Buffalo,  N.  Y.      224 
Clarkson,  David  161 

Claus,  Col.  Daniel  116 

Clawsen,  Lawrence  41 

Clayton  and  Bell  410,  411,  469,  472 
Clericus  of  Albany  and  Troy  448 
Clifford,  Hon.  John  D  201,  202 

Clowes,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Timothy 

minister  of  St.  Peter's  187 

personal  appearance  188 

elected  rector  1S9 

ordained    priest    and    insti- 
tuted as  rector  191 
compiles    The    Answer   of 

the  Congregation  193,  207 

presentment  to  Bishop   Ho- 

bart  211 

publishes  Sermons  212 

trial  and  suspension         214-217 
his  subsequent  life  217,  218 

mentioned  226,  227 


Index 


541 


PAGE 

Cobb,  Sandford  232.  534 

Coe,  the  Rev.  Jonah  158 

Coit,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  W. 

328,  347,  34S,  350.  356.  359.  365 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Henry  A.  33© 


PAGE 
218 


76,  90,  458 

438 

23 

Rev.     Dr. 

30,  3t.  33.  39 

534 

358,  360 

534 


340. 
3S4 

150 
150 
187 
530 
491 
422 


Collins,  Edward 
Cole  and  Woodbury 
Colve,  Gov.  Antony 
Corapton,    the     Rt. 

Henry 
Cook,  William 
Cooke,  the  Rev.  Wm.  H. 
Cooper,  Charles  D. 
Gen.  John  Tayler 

233,   279,  3".  3-°'  330. 
342.   344,   345,    349.  354. 
396.399.  47°.  533.  535 
Judge 

James  Fenimore 
the  Rev.  Joab  G. 
William 
Cornburj-,  Lord  37,  38,  41 

Corning,  Erastus 

Erastus,  Jr.       3",  352,  373,  535 
Gertrude  Tibbitts  4^9 

Coxe,  the  Rt.  Rev.  A.  Cleveland 

378,  390 

his    sermon    T/ie    Tower  of 

Memories  39 1.  392 

Creighton,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.         304 

Croes,   the  Rt.  Rev.   Dr.   John  1S7 

Croswell,  Edwin 

243,   245,   253,    256,    285,   2S8, 

422,   533-  535 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Harry 
the  Rev.  Dr.  William 
Cruttenden,  Leverett  257,  535 

Cumming,   the  Rev.    Dr.    Fran- 
cis H. 
Cuyler,  Abraham 
John 


30S 
340 


245 
57 

183 


232.  534 
323 

268,  271 

271 

3' 

III 

520 

142,  162 

25,   349.   403.   407 


311, 


474.  535 
407.  473 
249.  535 

258,  535 


Daniels,  James  534; 

Warner  20S,  530 

Danker,  the  Rev.  Dr.  A.  368 


Davis,  the  Rev.  Asahel 
Henry  B. 
Joseph 
Delavan,  E.  C. 
Henry  W. 
Dellius,  the  Rev.  Godefridus 
DeLancey,  Edward  F. 

Col.  Oliver 
DeWitt,  Hon.  Simeon 
Dexter,  George 

307.   313.   325, 
474,   533,  535 
James 

273,   2S0,   285. 
Dr.  Samuel 
Dibblee,  Henr)' 
Dillon,  Charles 
Dix,  Gen.  John  A. 

256,  260,  422,  533,   535 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Morgan 

260,  328,  358 
Doane,  the  Rt.  Rev.  George  W. 

304,  340.  354.  359 
the  Rt.  Rev.  William   Cros- 
well,  rector  of  St.  John's, 
Hartford  34° 

elected  rector  of  St.  Peter's    340 
his  institution  34' 

contested  vestry  election 

344,  345 
elected  Bishop  of  Albany  353 
his  consecration  in  St.  Peter's 

357-361 
his  first  ordination  361 

his  resignation  of  St.  Peter's  362 
remains  in  charge  3^5 

retires  from  his  incumbency  367 
letter    to   the    vestrj'   of  St. 

Peter's  3^7 

organizes  St.  Agnes'  school    371 
inaugurates  Cathedral    sys- 
tem 371 
opening  of   All  Saints'  Ca- 
thedral chapel  372 


542 


Index 


Doane,   Rt.  Rev.  Wm.  Croswell 

blesses  the  memorial  gifts 
and  consecrates  renovated 
chancel  of  St.  Peter's  416 

his  sermon  "  For  Gloty  and 
for  Beauty"  416,419 

ordains  the  Rev.  Russell 
Woodman  priest  419 

Albany  Bi-Centennial  ser- 
mon 422,  423 

preaches  at  twenty-fifth  an- 
niversary of  Dr.  Batter- 
shall's  rectorship  443 

mentioned 

379>   387.   390.  401,"  415.  420 

421 

Dongan,  Gov.  Thomas  420 

Doremus,  Owen  322,  323,  475 

Doty,  the  Rev.  John  131 

Douw,  John  D.  P.  149,  529 

Drauyer,  Andrew  63 

Anne  Dorothea  63 

Duane,  Hon.  James  130,  138 

Dudley,  Henry  W.  298 
Duer,  Hon.  Wm.  A. 

216,   229,    232,  233,   235,   239 

263.  533,   534 
Dunbar,  John 

57,  62,   69,  499,   500,   501,  502 

509 

Duncan,  Capt.  Richard  127 

Dushan,  Peter  522 

Dutch  East  India  Company  17 

Dutcher,  Salem  W.  477 

Dyre,  Capt.  26 


Earle,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  John  24 

Eastburn,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Manton    3C4 
East  Camp,  N.  Y.  146 

Eaton,  Mr.  312 

Edmonson,  Mr.  474 

Eigenbrodt.the  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.E. 

303.  348,  350.  355 
Ellin  and  Co  460,  464 


Ellison,  the  Rev.  Thomas 

visits  Albany  131 

appointed     rector     of     St. 

Peter's  \y 

character  of  131 

subscription  for  his  salary 

132.  133 
officiates     at      Kinderhook, 

N.  y.  133 

negotiates  with  the  City  of 
Albany  for  the  removal  of 
the  first  St.  Peter's  and  an 
exchange  of  lands  142,  144 
revives  the  Church  at  Fort 
Hunter    and     Johnstown 

137,  138 
chosen  deputy  to  the   Gen- 
eral Convention  139 
letter  to  Bishop  Provoost 

140,  141 
missionary  journey  through 

Montgomery  County    140,  141 
treatise   upon   Confirmation  146 

letter  to  the  Convention  of 

Vermont  148 

preacher  at  Vermont   Con- 
vention, 1791  148 
receives  pupils                   I50-I';2 
resumes    negotiations    with 

the  City  of  Albany       161,  162 
elected    a    regent    of     the 

University  158 

plans  a  new  church  163 

illness  and  death  163,  164 

epitaph  527 

mentioned 

197,  283,  348,  407,  450 
Elmer,  Lieut.  Ebenezer  125,  126 

Empie,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Adam  187 

Enos,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Edgar  A.       448 
Episcopal  Watchman,  The  340 

Evarts,  Hon.  Wm.  M.  402 


I 


Index 


543 


F 


PAGE 

478 

76 

76 

403 


Faith  at  the  Cross 
Faring,  Thomas 
Farmar,  Brook 
Fassett,  Edward 
Fassett,  Wm.  N. 

311,  323,  330,  339,  345,  535 
Fenton,  Hon.  John  C.  523 

Fisher,  the  Rev.  George 

361,  363,  364,  370,  379,  390 
Fitch,  Hon.  F.  James  353 

Flack,  the  Rev.  Daniel  364 

Floyd,  Thomas  76 

Fondey.  Townsend  405 

Foot,   Ebenezer  534 

Forbes,  the  Rev.  John  76 

the  Rev.  John  I.  361,  365 

Ford,  John  W.  477 

Thomas  W. 

189,    208.   210,    223,   225,   226, 
228,  533,  534 
Wm.  R.  228 

Forsyth,  Hon.  James  369 

Fort  of  Albany  35,  36 

Frederick  449 

Frontenac  97 

George  501 

Hunter   53,  73,  83,  137,  138,  492 
Orange  18,  ig,  486 

Nassau  18 

Fowler,  William  534 

Fox,  Bristol  228 

Franklin,  Dr.  Benjamin  92,  144 

Franklin  and  Hall  144 

Freeman,  the  Rev.  Bernardus  38,  50 
Frelinghuysen,  the   Rev.   Theo- 
doras 98 
Fryer,  Isaac                           76,  91.  505 
Isaac                            i6g,  179,  209 
Ira                                                 318 
John                           121,  122,  505 
William            190,  208,  209,  534 
Fulham  Palace                                     32 

Fuller  and  Wheeler  434 


G  PAGE 

Gage,  Gen.  Thomas  loi 

Gaine,  Hugh  513,  519 

Gansevoort,  Hon.  Peter  422 

General  Convention 

139,    152,  299,  347 
Geological  Hall,   Albany 

315.  320,  322 
George,  Thomas  59 

George  III,  King  of  England       479 
Gibbons,  James 

207,  208,  223,  226,  231,  533,  534 
Gibson,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Edmund 

66,  67,  82 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Frederick  144 

Robert  W.  411,  459,  462 

Gifford,  E.  M.  522 

Gill,  John  232,  534 

Glassford,  Henry  A.  536 

Godley,  John  226 

Goetwater,     the     Rev.    Joannes 

Ernestus  32 

Gott,  John 

25S,  276,  282,  285,  288,  533,  534 
Gourlay,  James 

208,  210,   229,    232,    234,    239 
241,  249,  258,  533,  534 

Margaret  Campbell  478 

William  James  478 

Graham,  George  408 

T.  V.  W.  136 

Grant,   Mrs.    Anna,   Memoirs  of 

American  Lady  80 

Gray,  Major  James  124 

Gregorj-  Matthew  288 

de  Grenshe,  Cornelius  87 

Griswold,  F.  E.  408,  410,  536 

Groesbeck,  A.  T.  285,  535 

Stephen  535 

Stephanus  57,  500 

Guest,  Henry  226,  534 

Gwynne,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Walker      379 

H 

Hagerraan,  Christopher  502,  505 

Haight,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Benjamin  I. 

300,  303,  341 


544 


Index 


Hale,  Daniel 

130,  166,  167,  i6g,  175, 194,  31S 

534 

Philip  403 

Hall,  Walter  432 

Hall  and  Sellers  144 

Hammond.  S.  H.  345,  536 

Hand,  Edward  307,  535 

Hanover,  House  of  32 

Hansen,  Henry  494,  4q7 

Hare,  the  Rev.  Dr.  George  E.       254 

the  Rt.  Rev.  Wm.  H.  254 

Harison,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Francis 

379,  482 

Richard  130,  13S 

Harris,  Robert  87 

the  Rev.  Dr.  Rob't  W.    300,  303 

the  Rev.  Dr.  William      176,  177 
Harrower,  the  Rev.  Pascal  P. 

406,  407 
Haun,  Dr.  A.  365 

Hawks,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Francis  L.   300 
Heathcote,  Col.  Caleb 

43.  44,  46,  491-  49S 
Heaton,  Butler  and  Bayne  46S 

Heakerly,    Robert  121 

Hempstead,  L.  I.  218 

Hendrick,  Chief  497 

Henry,  John  V.  153,  162 

Dr.  Joseph  422 

Hewson,  Casparus,  142 

Daniel  76, 91 

Daniel,  Jr.  121.  502,  505 

Hill,  Gov.  David  B.  422 

Nicholas  422 

Samuel- 

163,   169,    176,    179,    183,    198 

534 
Hilton,  Peter  534 

Hobart,  the  Rt.  Rev.  John  Henry 

175,    176,    177,    1S4.    197,    199 
211,  230,  244 
Hodges,  Dr.  Edward  303 

the  Rev.  Dr.  J.  S.  B.  360 

elected  to  and  declined  rec- 
torship of  St.  Peter's  366 


Hoffman,  the  Very  Rev.  Dr.  E.A. 

353,  358 
Hogan,  William  61,  62 

Hooker,  Philip 

163,  16S,  173,  232,  318 
Hook,  E.  and  G.  258 

Holiday,  Henry  471.  472,  473 

Holland,  Edward  76 

Henry  67,  76 

Hopkins,    the    Rt.    Rev.    John 

Henry  303 

the   Rev.    Dr.   John    Henry  355 
Hosford,  Elijah  534 

Howe,   Lord 

97,  167,  519.  520,523,  525,  526 
The  Butial  Place  of  Lord 

Howe  519-527 

the  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  Y.  185,  1S6 

Thomas  Y.  Jr.  244 

Hudson,  Henry  17 

Hubbard,  the  Rev.  Reuben  187 

Huguenots  18 

Humphreys,  the  Rev.  Dr.  David     47 

Account  of  the  S.  P.  G. 

48,  52,  55,  60 
Hun,  Thomas  136 

Dr.  Thomas 

366,  372,  477,  514,  516,  533 
Hunter,  Gov.  Robert 

56,  57.   58,  61,  490,  492,  493, 
495.  496,  499.  501.  502 
Huntington,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Fred- 
erick D.         347,  352,  353,  358 
the  Rev.  Dr.  William  R.         419 
Hurd,  Jabish  N.  M.  535 

I 

Inglis,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Charles  117 
memorial    to   the    Board   of 
Trade  upon  the  Five  Na- 
tions 117 

Ingoldsby,  Lieut,  Gov.,  Richard 

44,  497 
Indians 

Algonquin  family  of  18 

Hurons  4S5 


Index 


545 


PAGE 

Indians 

Indian     Affairs,      commis- 
sioners of  53.  494.  4g6 
Iroquois  Confederacy 

37,  457.  485.  490 
Mohawks  '8, 494 

Mohawk  dialect  38 

Mohawk   Prayer  Book 

3S,   116,  117 
Lower  Mohawk  castle, chap- 
el and  parsonage     52,  53.  49^ 
Tobacco  nation  485 

marriages  7   •  '^'^ 

Oneidas  78,  230,  490 

Onondagas, 

38,   54,   55-   481.  492,  493,  494 
498 
Mohawk   Valley   congrega- 
tional missions  105.  106 
Irwin,  Wm.  P.  399,  4^7 


PAGE 

Jordan,    Warwick,    festival    Te 

Deum  442 

Judd,  the  Rev.    Dr.    Bethel   165,  176 
Judson,  Albert  C.  372,  403,  SS^ 

Hon.  Edmund  L. 

427.  429,  430,  536 
Juvenile  Retreat  298.  299 

name  changed  385 

see  Orphans'  Home 


K 


T        T  64 

Jamaica,  L..  i- 

James,  Duke  of  York  29 

Janes,  Franklin  H.  4^3 

Jarvis,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Abraham        131 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  F.  215 

Jay,  the  Hon.  John  i30,  138 

Jeffrey,  Dr.  j!  A.  +20 

Tephson,  W.  H.  534 

Jenkins,  Charles  M.       366,  533,  53^ 
Henry  535 

Tenner,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Henry  L.      348 
Jesuit  missionaries  ^' 

Jogues,  Pere  Isaac     22,485,486,487 
Johnson,  the  Rev.  John  B.  150 

Johnson,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel 

74,   75,  86.  loi 
Johnson,  Sir  William, 

92,  97,   104,  105,  106,  107,  108 

118,  119,  127 

Sir  John  "7 

Johnston,  the  Rev.  Samuel  219 

Johnstown,  N.  Y.  "9 

Jones,  the  Rev.  Wm.  M.  309 


Kalm,   Peter,    Travels  in 

A  merica 
Keble,  the  Rev.  John 
Kent,  Hon.  James 
Keese,  G.  Pomeroy 

the  Rev.  Wm.  L. 
Keith,  the  Rev.  George 
Kidd,  James 

273,   283,    28S,   3" 
329,    330,    339,   342 
472,   535 
Kip,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Wm.  I. 
Knapp,  Miss  Elizabeth 
Knauff,  the  Rev.  C.  W. 


North 


259,  286 
522,  525 
351,  369 

255 
34,  51 


313, 
398 


319 
399 


273,  422 
298 

379 


Lacey,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  B. 

missionary     in      Chenango 

County  ^24 

officiates  in  St.  Peter's  224 

elected  rector  226 

instituted  ^^9 

gives  quit  claim  deed  to  the 

Church  lands  229,  527 

opens   a   school   for   young 

ladies  246 

death  of  Mrs.  Lacey  246 

resigns  the  rectorship  250 

his  subsequent  life  252 

mentioned  230,  263 

Lake  Champlain  486,  490 

Lake  George  486,  519 

Landon,  Wm.  ^83 


546 


Index 


PAGE 

Lansing,  Hon.  Abraham 

429,  431,  438,  439,  536 

Hon.  John  135 

Sanders  153 

Laurence,  Hon.  J.  26 

Leake,  James  475 

Theodore  H.  475 

and  Greene  475 

Leaming,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Jeremiah  131 
Le  Breton,  James  242 

John  242 

Lee,  Alex.  522 

the  Rt.  Rev.  Henry  W.  303 

Leeds,  the  Rev  Dr.  George  347,  353 
Leonard,  Herman  257,  258,  535 

Leysler,  Jacob  27 

Lexington,  Ky.  202 

Linn,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  185 

Littlejohn,  the  Rt.Rev.  Abram  N. 

307.  356,  359 
Liverpool  lamps  260 

Livingston,  Philip  59,  63 

Hon.  Robert  29,  59 

Lobdell,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Francis       368 
Lodovick.  Col.  498 

Lottridge,  Robert  91 

Lossing,  Benson  J.  525 

Loudon,  Earl  of  95 

Low,   Francis  535 

Lowry,  the  Rev.  Robert         31)7,  339 
Ludlow,  Teter  R.  1S3,  189,  534 

M 

Macdonald,  John 

411,  432,  433,  465,  536 
Mahan,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Milo  309 

his  sermon,   The  Healing  of 
the  Nations  309 

Maighie,  John  76 

Mallet,  Francis  213 

Mancius,  Mrs.  Catharine  235 

Manhattan  Island  18 

Mann,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Cameron        396 
March,  Dr.  422 

Marcy,  Hon.  Wm.  L.  422 


Marsh,  Prof.  John  B. 

323.  342,  3S6,  403 
Walter  V.  386,  403 

Martin,  Charles  133 

Henry  T.  403,  536 

Matthews,  Peter        57,  499,  500,  501 
Mauritius  River  17,  18 

Marvin,  Gen.  Selden  E. 

366,  373,  514.  516.  535 
Mayer,  the  Rev.  Frederick  Q.  234 
McArthur,  the  Rev.  Mr.  364 

McChesney,  L.  150 

McCloskey,  Cardinal  422 

McCoskry,      the        Rt.        Rev. 

Samuel   A.  304 

McDougall,  John  W.  242 

McElroy,  Jarnes  F.  433 

McEntee,  Charles  S.  536 

McEntire,  John  S.  McD.  477 

McFarland,  J.  529 

McGarvey,      the       Rev.      Wm, 

Liturgiae  Americanae  1 44 

McGregory,  Sigh  62 

McVickar,  the  Rev.  Dr.  John 

214.  215 
Meacham,  John  190 

Meads,  John 

208,   210,    224,   225,  228,    234 
534 
Orlando 

247,  263,  265,  272,  2S0,  281 
282,  285,  288,  291,  294,  295 
296,  297,  299,  302,  306,  307 
310,  311,  320,  329,  339,  342 
355>  356,  372,  385,  405.  422 
463,  477,  533,  535 
His  The  Communion  Plate 
of  Saint  Peter's    Church 

488,  499 
Elizabeth  Brant  (Wilson)  477 
the  Misses  415 

Megapolensis,  the  Rev.  Johannes 

21,  22,  25,  487 
Meneely  &  Kimberly  3S6,  455 

Merchant,  George  130,  533,  534 

Merrifield,  Richard  225 


Index 


547 


PAGE 

534 
20 

27 


Merritt,  the  Rev.  Robert  N. 
Metcalf,  George 
Michaelius,  the  Rev.  Jonas 
Milburn,  Jacob 
Miller,  the  Rev.  John  30,  32 

his  description  of  New  York    31 
Mills,  F.  W.  420 

Milne,  the  Rev.  John 

appointed  to  Albany  67 

commended  72 

his  reports  to  the  S.  P.  G.  68-72 

removes  to  Shrewsburj',  N.J.   73 

Minturn,  Robert  B.  2S3 

Moberly,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  George  2S7 

Moffatt,  Samuel  514,  516.  535 

Mohawk  River  491 

Moor,  the   Rev.   Thoroughgood, 

Mohawk  missionary 

40-47,  491,  492 
Moore,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Benjamin 

138,  159,  160,  170,  174,  176 
Sir  Henry         115,  364.  481,  49° 
Morrison,  the  Rev.  Peter  B.  326 

Morgan,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  F.       327 
Mosely,  the  Rev.  Richard  119 

Mott,  Ananias  213,  534 

Mulford,  John  H.  399 

Munro,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Harrj- 

missionar)-  at  Philipsburgh, 

N.  Y.  no 

appointed  to  Albany  no 

procures  charter  of  incorpo- 
ration for  St.  Peter's    115,502 
his    services    in     Charlotte 

county  119 

inhibited  from  officiating        124 
imprisonment  and  escape 

125,  127 
embarks  for  England  127 

estimate  of  his  work       127,  128 
John  127 

Hon.  Peter  Jay  2ii 

Munsell,  Joel  122,  522 


IS  PAGE 

Namur,  Belgium  489 

Nanfan,  Capt.  John  4° 

Nash,  the  Rev.  Daniel   176,  2ig,  230 
Neau,  Elias  44 

Neely,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Henry  A. 

356.  359 
Neide,  the  Rev.  George  L.  365 

Nelliger,  John  242 

Nesbitt,  the  Rev.  Samuel  147 

Nessle,  Wm.  274,  275 

New  Amsterdam  20,  23,  487 

Newman,    the     Rev.    Dr.    John 

Henry  283,  286 

New  York 

diocese  of 

137,   214,     286,    2gg,   342,  347 
401,   402 
convention  of 

137.  177.  230,  299,  345 
committee   on   Fort   Hunter 

glebe  138 

suspension  of  its  Bishop         299 
division  of  342,  346 

Niagara  97 

NicoUs,  Gov.  Richard  22 

Nicholson,  Lieut.  Gov.  Francis     494 
Nieu  Nederlandt  18,  22 

Nieuwenhuysen.  the   Rev.   Wil- 

helmus  25,  26 

Nott,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Eliphalet 

166,   186 


Oberly,  theRev.  H.  H.  379 

Odenheimer,      the      Rt.      Rev. 

Wm.  H.  359.  360 

Oel,  the  Rev.  John  J.         83,  96,  106 
Ogilvie,  the  Rev.  Dr.  John 

early  life  and  ordination     85,  86 
work    in    Albany    and    the 

Mohawk  Valley  86-97 

stationed   in    Montreal   and 

resignation  101-103 

mentioned  log,  117,  458 

Olcott  and  King  422 


548 


Index 


„ , .  „  PAGE 

Oliver,  Sergt.  John  76 

Onderdonk,   the    Rt.    Rev.  Ben- 
jamin T.  273,  2S3,  299 
Orphans'    Home    of    St.   Peter's 

Church  385,  405,  407,  423 

Osborn,  Hon,  A.  M.  405 

Oswego,  N.  Y.  g5 

Oxford  movement, 

283,  286,  287,  299,  344 

Owen,  Prof.  Edward  J.  524 

Owens,  Edward  471 

Polly  Sabina  Hawley  471 


Packard,  Benjamin  D.  208,  534 

Joseph,  Jr.  535 

Paddock,    the    Rt.    Rev.  Benja- 
min H.  373 

Paine,  Dr.  Henry  D.  288 

Dr.  Horace  M.  433,  434 

Palmer,  Erastus  477 

Parker,  Hon.  Amasa  J. 

295,  307,  345,  468 


516 

467 

3S0 

379 

485 

535 

330,  535 

19,  20 

273.  535 

213,  534 


Amasa  J.,  Jr. 

Harriet  Langdon 

John  M. 

the  Rev.  Dr.  Stevens 
Parkman,  Francis 
Patchin,  Aaron  D. 
Patten,  Moses 
Patroons 
Payn,  Charles  H. 

Samuel 
Payne,  the  Rev.  Dr.  \Vm. 

347.349.  352,354,  358 
Pecke,  the  Rev.  E.  M.  35S 

Peltz,  John  de  W.    442,  445,  468,  536 
Mary  Marvin  Learned  468 

Perry,  John  S. 

273.    311,    314,    319.  369,  376 

377.    381.    393.    395.  403.  4ii 

412,    415,    424,    426,  427,  462 

514,  516,  533,  535 

John  T.  445,  536 

the  Rev.  Joseph  218 

Mary  415 

the  Rt.  Rev.  Wm.  S.  29 


„  ,  PAGE 

Peters,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Richard  92 

Peterson,  Joseph  525 

Phelps,  the  Rev.  Davenport  176 
Pierson,  Hon.  Henry  R. 

375.    376,    377,    383,   384,   395 
401,  402,  403,  406,  408,  536 
Mary  Ida  461 

Pilmore,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Joseph        176 
Pitkin,  the  Rev.  Thomas  C, 

ancestry,  early  ministry,  elec- 
tion to  St.  Peter's  30S-310 
his   activity  in    erection    of 

the  third  St.  Peter's       310-325 

his  resignation  332 

mentioned        390,  450,  489,  492 

Pittsburgh,  Penn.  252,  457 

Piatt,  Ebenezer  534 

Plumb,  Josiah  B. 

302,   306,    308,    310,    313,  320 
535 
Potter,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Alonzo 

284.  303,   304 
the  Rev.  Dr.  E.  N.  364 

the  Rt.  Rev.  Horatio 
elected  rector  of  St.  Peter's    255 
instituted  256 

visits  Europe  259 

letter  concerning  the  Rev. 
C.  M.  Butler,  temporary 
assistant  266 

letter  upon  parochial  offer- 
ings  for  general  objects 

268-270 
sermon  upon  Pres.  Harrison  274 
letter     upon    a    voyage     to 

Europe  283,  284 

visits  Europe  28  j,  287 

death  of  Mrs.  Potter  290 

elected  Provisional    Bishop 

of  New  York  301 

letter  of  resignation   of  St. 

Peter's  301,  302 

consecration  as  Bishop    302,  304 
his    first    ordination    in    St. 
Peter's  304 


Index 


549 


PAGE 

Potter,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Horatio 
summary   of    his     work    in 

Albany  305 

presides    and     preaches    at 

Primary     Convention     of 

Albany  349 

presides  at  the  consecration 

of  Dr.  Doane  356-366 

preaches    at   Centennial    of 

St.  Peter's  3^4 

twenty-fifth    anniversary   of 

his  consecration    401,  402,  403 
receives  congratulatory  letter 

from  St  Peter's  parish  402,  403 
his  retirement  424 

his  death  424 

memorial      service     at     St. 

Peter's  424 

mentioned 

310,  320,    321,    327,    32S,   339 

341.    345.    346,   390.   422.   489 
the  Most  Rev.  Wm.  1S6 

Mary  Jane  (Tomlinson  476 

Porter,  Giles  W.     274,411,463,534 
Ira  229,  231,  52S,  534 

James  243,  250,  535 

the  Rev.  John  C.  477 

Miss  411 

Potts,  Jesse  C. 

312,   314,    320,    324,  329,  383 

436,  437.  524.  535 
Jesse  W. 

435.  437.  439.  442.  445.  536 

Eunice  W.  437 

Sarah  B.  435 

memorial  Rectory    435.  437,  438 

Poyer,  the  Rev.  Thomas  64 

Price,  John  121 

the  Rev.  Dr.  Joseph  H.  253,  303 

Pruyn,  Charles  L. 

409,  415,  442,  445,  461,  536 
Hon.  John  V.  L. 

307.    351,    355.    361.   369,   399 

439.    469.  482,   535 
John  V.  L.  439.440 

Robert  C. 

410,414,  415,  426,441,533,536 


PAGE 

Pruyn, Elizabeth  McClintock  409,465 
Harriet  Catharine  439,  470 
Harriet  C.  Turner  470 

Hubertie  Lansing  4.10 

Mrs.  John  V.  L.  4S2 

Sarah  Talcott  475 

Pumpelly,  Harmon 

333.    340,    345.    352.   3S6,  403 
406,    415,   473,  533,   535 
Mrs.  415 

Pusey,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Edward  B.    283 

Putnam,  Elisha  163,  318 

Q 

Quackenbush,  Nicholas  477 

Quebec,  Canada  127,  485 

Quitman,  the  Rev.  Mr.  60 


Ramsay,  George  154,  169,  534 

Ratclif,  Rachel  62 

Rathbone,  Clarence  536 

Rector,  Mr.  28S 

Redstone,  Wm.  1S9,  190 

Reed,  the  Rev.  Sylvanus        298,  321 
Reese,  the  Rev.  Dr.  J.  Livingston 

273.  348.  355.  368,  379.  390 
Rensselaerwyck  21,  25,  486,  4S7 

Reynolds,  Hon.  Marcus  T. 

272,    2S2,    284,    285,  288,  297 

306,    307.    327.   422,    533,    535 

Rhoades,  Julius  277,  535 

Rice,  Col.  Wm.  G.  442,  53^ 

Mrs.  Harriet  h.  P.  440 

Richards,  the  Rev.  George  B. 

43°-  433 
Riker,  George  3^7 

Ritual  Controversy  343,  344 

Robbins,  the  Very  Rev.Wilford  L. 

43S.  442 

Rochelle,  France  456 

Roe,  Stephen  J.  514,  536 

Rogers,  the  Rev.  Ammi  160 

Frank  Sill,  432.  43S,  520 

Capt.  520 


36 


550 


Index 


PAGE 

Roosevelt,  Hillborne  L.  414,  464 

Rosser,  Richard  534 

Roy,  James  356,  369 

Rudder,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  321,  327 

Rumney,  Jonathan  62 

Russell,  the  Rev.  E.  B.  368 

S 

Saltonstall,  Gov.  Gurdon  494 

Sands,  R.  A.  265,  535 

Salterlee,  the  Rev.  Churchill,        433 

John  R.  238 

Saunders,  the  Rev.  Mr.  379 

Schaets,  the  Rev.  Gideon  25,  27 

Schwartz,  the  Rev.  David  L.         379 
Schenectady,  N.  Y. 

38,  49,  50,  69,  100,  148,  491 
Schuyler,  Alida  28 

Cornelius 

372.  385,  389,  399.  514.  535 
John  497 

Myndert  494,  497 

Col.  Peter  494,  497 

Capt.  Philip  28 

Col.  Philip  80 

Gen.  Philip 

28,  91,  97,  123,  3S9,  422,  521 

522,  525 
Madam  80 

Seabury,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Samuel 

131,  145,  340 
Selkirk,  the  Rev.  Edward 

272.  313.  377 
Shackelford,  the  Rev.  John  W. 

327.  359 
Sharp,  Capt.  Thomas  76,  91,  505 

Shattuck,  James  411,  412 

Shepherd,  George  534 

Wm.  142 

Sherlock,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Thomas       86 
Sherman,  Watts  298,  470 

Shuckburgh,  Dr.  Richard  91 

Silvester,  Peter       121,  122,  133,  505 
Simeon,  the  Rev.  Charles  259 

Skerritt,  Charles  242 

Skinner,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Wm.     259,  286 


Smith,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Benjamin  B.  356 
B.  F.  312 

the  Rev. Frank  396 

Gerritt  406 

Reuben  224,  228,  534 

the  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  131 

the    Rev.    Dr.   William,    of 

Connecticut  178 

the  Rev.  Samuel  E,  379 

Smyth,  Charles  534 

Snively,  the  Rev.  Thaddeus  A. 

assistant  in  St.  Peter's  372 

in  charge  of  Grace  Church      372 
in  charge  of  St.  Peter's  375 

the  Rev.  Wm.  A. 
rector     of     Christ    Church, 

Cincinnati,  Ohio  366 

elected  rector  of  St.  Peter's 

and  declined  366 

informal  renewal  of  call  and 

acceptance  366 

his  institution  368.  369 

rector    of     Grace     Church, 

Albany  372 

accepts    election    to    Grace 
Church,  Brooklyn  Heights 
and  resigns  St.  Peter's         373 
his  farewell  words  374 

mentioned  377,  379,  390 

Society  of  Jesus  37,99,485,487 

Its  Relations  de  Jesnites  485 

Society  for  Propagating  the  Gos- 
pel in  Foreign  Parts 
organization  and  early  work 

34,  35,  40.  41 
abstracts  of,  quoted 

67,  68,  70,  71,    72,   75,  76,   81 
82,  89,  94,   95,    99,    100,    loi 
102,    104,    116,    120,   121,   126 
Society  for  the   Propagation  of 
the     Gospel     among     the 
Indians  105 

Society   for   Propagating   Chris- 
tian Knowledge  (Scotch)     105 
Sprague,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  B. 

313,  422 


Index 


551 


Spencer,  Hon.  John  C. 

272,   282,    2S5,    2gi,    295,  2g6 
297,    299,    422,    533,   535 
Slaats,  Dr.  Barent  P. 

237,    239,    241,    242,    245,    535 
Stanton,  Geo.  W.  232,  233,  534 

Stark,  Gen.  John  520 

Starkey,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Thomas  A.  422 
Stebbins,  the  Rev.  Cyrus        187,  211 
.Stedman,   Thompson,    and  An- 
drews 432 
Stevenson,  James         76,  90,  gi,  458 
Hon.  James 
239,   241,   250,    252,    256,    279 
280,    281,    288,    295,    296,  533 

535 
John 

130,    161,    166,    167,    168,   174 

533 
St.  Gaudens,  Louis  461 

St.  Lawrence  River  490 

St.  Peter's  Church 

organized  52 

services  in  Lutheran  chapel     52 
Royal    patent   for     land    in 

centre  of  "Jonker  Straat'' 

56,  57,  499-501 
opposition   by  the   City  of 

Albany  to  the  grant         58,  59 
opening     of     the    first     St. 

Peter's  Church  59,  60 

The  Church  Book 

61,  62,  63,  524,  525 
petition  to  the  S.  P.  G.  from 

the  wardens  for  a  minister     67 
appointment    of    the     Rev. 

John  Milne  67 

appointment    of     the     Rev. 

Henry  Barclay  76 

his  work  in  Albany  and  the 

Mohawk  Valley  76-81 

a  gap  in  the  records  83 

appointment    of    the     Rev, 

John  Ogilvie  86 

erection   of  the   steeple  and 

purchase  of  bell  88 


St.  Peter's  Church 

description  of  the  first  St. 
Peter's  8g.  90 

the  first  bell  go 

cemetery  plot  granted  by  the 
city  q3 

appointment  of  the  Rev. 
Thomas  Brown  104 

his  work  in  Albany  and 
Fort  Hunter  104-108 

petition  by  the  vestry  for  a 
minister  109 

the  Rev.  Harry  Munro 
appointed  no 

petiton  from  the  vestry  to 
the  Common  Council  of 
Albany  for  a  plot  of 
ground  for  glebe  and  rec- 
tory 113-114 

petition  for  a  charter  of  in- 
corporation granted 

115-116,  502-511 

the  Rev.  Harry  Munro  in- 
hibited 124-125 

lay  services  125 

appointment  of  the  Rev. 
Thomas  Ellison  131 

new  cemetery  given  by  the 
city  136,  142,  143 

special  act  of  incorporation 
for  St.  Peter's       139,512,513 

repairs  upon  the  church  141-142 

new  seal  presented  by  Mr. 
Ellison  143 

exchange  of  land  with  the 
city  of  Albany  143-144 

the  first  confirmation  in  St. 
Peter's  [46,  147 

the  first  rectory,  1792  149 

negotiations  with  the  city  I'f 
Albany  for  the  removal 
of  St.  Peter's  153-15S 

loan  from  Trinity  Church, 
New  York  156-157 

arbitrators'  award  for  St. 
Peter's  lot  on  Slate  .Street   if.2 


552 


Index 


177 
179 


187 

1S8 
190 

I  go 


St.  Peter's  Church  ''*°^ 

contract  for  the  second  St. 

Peter's  '  ,53 

the  Rev.  Frederick  Beasley 

called  ,65 

offers    of   Presbyterian  and 
Dutch      corporations     of 
their   houses   of    worship   i66 
cornerstone   of   second    St. 

Peter's  laid  167 

description    of    second    St. 

Peter's  170-172 

sale  of  pews  175,  j^g 

consecration  of  the   second 

St.  Peter's 
sale  of  State  Street  lots 
financial  report,  1S09 
resignation  of  Mr.  Beasley 

183,  184 
the   Rev.   Timothy  Clowes, 

minister 
the    "old    burying  ground" 

laid  out  in  lots 
purchase  of  an  organ      189, 
election  of  Mr.   Clowes  as 

rector 
Church  lands  controversy 

193-205 
the     "Pamphlet"    of    Gov.     ' 

Tayler  and  others        205-206 
the   Answer  of  the  Congre- 
gation 207 
Albany    Prayer   Book    and 
Tract  Society  organized          212 
action   of  vestry  upon  sus- 
pension  of  Mr.  Clowes 

217.  218,  220,  222 
the   Rev.  Wm.  A.   Clark  in 

charge 
the    Rev.    Wm.     B.    Lacey 

elected  rector 
sixteen  hundred  dollars  bor- 
rowed   from    the    Comp- 
troller of  the  State  of  New 

steeple  built  ,„, 

2j3 


223 


224 


£,      „  PAGE 

St.  Peter's  Church 

Church  finance  report,  1827    238 
report  upon  the  state  of  the 

Church,  1827  239 

sale  of  Capitol   Square  lots 

241,  243 
newrectory,  built  1830  246 

resignation  of  Dr.  Lacey        250 
election  of  Dr.  Potter  255 

new  organ  purchased  258 

financial  report,  1S36        263-265 
parish  property,  1S36  529 

increase  of  pew  rents 

265.  279,  282 
sale  of  Maiden  Lane  block 

^843  282 

sale  of  remaining   property 

'S45  2S3 

newrectory  built,  1847    288,  289 
circular  to  the  congregation 
concerning   the    tax   sale 
of  the  Church  lot,  1849 

291,  295 
congregational     meeting 

1849  '  295 

plan  for  redemption  of  the 

property  295-297 

resignation  of  Dr.  Potter        301 
St.     Peter's     Church    fund 

established  ^^^ 

election    of    the    Rev.    Dr 

Pitkin  ■  3„g 

Geological   Hall   temporary 

place  of  worship  31c 

plans  for  a  new  church  312.315 
demolitionof  the  old  church  317 
lease   of    lot  from  Masters' 

Lodge  3,g 

rebuilding   of    the    rectory 

'^59  '319 

corner    stone    of    the  new 

church  laid  ,20 

consecration    of    the  third 

St.  Peter's  327^  323 

memorial  tablets  in  326 
resignation  of  Dr.  Pitkin        332 


Index 


553 


PAGE 

St.  Peter's  Church 

election  of  the  Rev.  Wm. 
T.  Wilson  332 

appointment  of  the  Rev. 
Wm.  Tatlock  as  assistant 
minister  333 

Mr.  Tatlock  made  associate 
rector  33^ 

resignation  of  Mr.  Tatlock     337 

parish  debt  cancelled  337 

report  upon  division  of  the 
diocese  of  New  York  343 

contested  vestry  election 

344-346 

vestry  present  at  Dr.  Doane's 
consecration  357 

offer  of  St.  Peter's  for  Epis- 
copal and  diocesan  pur- 
poses 3^2-365 

resignation  of  Bishop  Doane  361 

Centennial  Sunday  School 
Chapel  proposed  364 

Centennial  of  incorpor.->tion 

364.  365 

declination  by  the  Rev.  J.  S. 
B.  Hodges  366 

adoption  of  certain  sections 
of  act  of  1 868  for  incorpor- 
ation of  churches 

367,  368,  513-516 

St.  Peter's  mission  on  Ar- 
bor Hill  372 

declination  of  the  Rev.  F. 
W.  Braithwaite  375 

resignation  of  Mr.  Snively     373 

election  of  Mr.  Battershall    377 

cornerstone  of  Parish  House 
laid  381-382 

Memorial  Tower  given  by 
the  family  of  John  Twed- 
dle  382-384 

creation  of  the  Tweddle 
Missionary  Fund  395 

Tweddle  Memorial  Chime 

3S5-386 


St.  Peter's  Church 

dedication    of     the    Parish 

House  •    3S7-388 

dedication  of  the  Memorial 
Tower  3yo-393 

financial  report,  1S76        393-394 
choir  festival  in   St.  Peter's 

394-395 
second  choir  festival  397 

rebuilding  of  the  organ  by 
Hook  &   Hastings,    1S80 

404,405 
remodeling  of  chancel    and 

memorial  gifts  409-415 

chancel  organ   purchased  of 
Hillborne  L.  Roosevelt    414,464 
Macdonald   Memorial    Lec- 
tern 432 
memorial    minute   concern- 
ing Bishop  Potter                  434 
financial  report,  18S7       425,  426 
creation  of  a  parish  endow- 
ment fund                               430 
renewal  of  rectory  lot  lease  455 
Maiden      Lane      pavement 

assessment  suit  431,  432 

purchase  of  Dr.  Horace  M. 

Paine  property  434 

new  rectory  planned         434-435 
new  choir  room  plans  434 

rector)-  built  as  a  memorial 
of  Jesse  C.  and  Eunice 
W.   Potts  437 

temporary  rectory  436 

benediction  of  the  Memorial 

Rectory,  1896  438 

organ  completed  and  renov- 
ated 438 
rights  of  the  parish  to  "  S. 
Peter's    lot "   guaranteed 
by  the  City  439 
Committee   on     History    of 

the  Church  439 

endowment  of  "Kitty  Pruyn 
Library  "  440 


554 


Index 


St.  Peter's  Church 

description  of  Church  edifice 
architecture  450,  451 

exterior  451,  452 

memorial  tower  452-455 

the  bells  455 

interior  438-460 

memorial  altar  and  reredos 

460-461 

altar  cross  461 

the  credence  461-462 

altar  rail  462 

sanctuary  candelabra  ^  463 

organ  464 

choir  room  464 

pulpit  464,  465 

aisle  windows  468-477 

memorial  tablets  476-479 

original     altar    of     present 

church  476 

Stuart,  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  118 

Symonce,  Caret  495 

Swart,  the  Rev.  Isaac  272 


Talbot,  the  Rev.  John    34,  37,  40,  44 
Talcott,  Sebastian  Visscher  475 

Olivia  Maria  Sherman  475 

Tatlock,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wm. 

assistant  minister  and   asso- 
ciate rector  of  St.  Peter's 

333-336 
accepts  St.   John's  Church, 

Stamford,  Conn.  337 

his  subsequent  life  338 

Tayler,  Hon.  John 

189,    194,   ig6,    198,    203,    205 
206,  209,  228,  232,  533 
Taylor,  James         279,  295,  533,  535 
John 

273.  297,  310,  311,  312,  316,  320 
325,  330,  467.  533,  534 
Mrs.  John  408 

the  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  H.         303 


Ten  Eyck,  Mrs.  Catharine  Eliza- 
beth Van  Vechten        415,  462 
Dr.  Philip         178,  311,  320,  325 
Philip  323,  342,  53; 

Visscher 

273,  285,  296,  311,  324,  535 
Tenison,  the  Most  Rev.  Thomas  39 
Terachjoris  497 

Thacher,  Hon.  John  Boyd  422 

Three  Rivers,  Canada  485 

Thornton,  S.  380 

Thorp,  Aaron  535 

Thwaites,  Reuben  6.  485 

Tibbitts,  Miss  41^ 

Ticonderoga,  N.  Y  97,  522 

TilTany  Company  474 

Tillinghast,  Joseph  W. 

382,    403,  409,  410,  427,  433, 

435,   439,  441,  533,   536 
Thomas  A.  369 

Mary  475 

Todd,  Adam  167 

the  Rev.  Dr.  Ambrose  S.        328 
John  G.  380 

Townsend,  J.  &  J.  243 

the  Rev.  John  379,  384 

John  F.  273,  285,  535 

Lord  4g8 

Theodore  443,  445,  533,  536 

Tremain,  Hon.  Lyman  355,  46S,  535 
Frederick   Lyman  468 

Grenville 

381,  382,  395,  399,  468,  536 

Troup,  Robert  30,  534 

Troy,  N.  Y. 

152,  304,3061  377,  448,  455 
Trowbridge,  Henry 

207,  210,  218,  223,  232,  234 

236,  238,  239,  245,  279,  533 

534 
Tucker,  Frederick  G.  344 

the  Rev.  Dr.  John  I. 

304.  347.  354,  358,  377,  424 
declines    rectorship    of  St. 

Peter's  306 

Luther  H.  438,  463,  536 


Index 


555 


PAGE 

Tunnicliff,  John  121 

Tweddle,  George  3S5,  455,  456 

G.  Robert  457 

H.  Arnold  457 

J.  Boyd  457 

John 

342,  376,  378,381.  389.  399 

417,  452,  456,  533,  535 

Mrs.  John  383.  456 

Mrs.  Mary  456 

Man-  F.  457 

Twing,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Alvi  T.  327 

U 

Upfold,  George        229,  231,  533,  534 
the  Rt.  Rev.  George 

320,  321,  322,  326 
Upjohn,  Richard 

3".  314.   316-   325.   380,    382 
410,   412,   460,    462 

V 

Van  Antwerp.  J.  H.  350 
Van  Brugh,  P.  497 
Van  Corlaer,  Arendt  486 
Van  Cortlandt,  Septimus  28 
Vanderheyden,  Jacob  130,  534 
Van  Home,  the  Rev.  Frederick  165 
Van  Kleeck,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rob- 
ert B.  304 
Van  Petten,  A  rent  495 
Van  Rensselaer 

Eugene  24 

Jeremias  35 

Col.  Jeremiah  76 

Hon.  Jeremiah  162 

Kiliaen  ^    19 

Kiliaen,  Jr.  25,  497 

Kiliaen,  K.  153 

Maria  28 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Maunsell 

284,  287,  288 
the  Rev.  Nicolaus 
his  early  life  24 

his  career  in  Albany     25,  27,  28 
his    controversy    with    Do. 
Nieuwenhuysen  25,  26 


PAGE 

Van  Rensselaer,  Philip  135 

Hon.  Philip  S. 

164,    167,    169,   l8g,    191,    207, 

20g,  228,    229,    231,   236,   237, 

482,  533.  534 

Philip  S.  250,  252,  535 

Stephen  422 

Van  Schaack,  Hon.  Peter  109 

Van  Schaick,  Garrett  W.  163 

Vanderpoel,  Dr  422 

Van  Vechten,  Mrs.  Teunis   415,476 

Vermont,  Diocese  of  148 

Verplanck,  Gulian  C.  139 

Vesey,  the  Rev.  Dr.  William    40,  67 

Visscher,  Sebastian  183,  534 

Vinton,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Francis 

300.  303,  328 

Vrooraan,  Parent  495 

Hendrick  495 

W 

Wadhams,  the  Rt.  Rev.  E.  P.        422 
Wainwright,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Jona- 
than M.  300 
Walloons  18 
Walker,  the  Rev.  Wm.  B.               379 
Walsh,  Dudley         167,  176,  198,  534 
the  Rev.  Dr.  George  H.  349,  368 
John  S.                       257,  258,  535 
Walton  Henry                           190,  534 
War,  French  and  Indian 

92,  93,  9f),  98,  100,  162 


King  George's 


8c -84 


Revolutionary  123,  126,  129,  130 
Ward,  the  Rev.  John  202 
Warner  and  Company  90 
Austin  534 
Warren,  George  W.  289.  290 
Washington  (now  Trinity)  Col- 
lege 273 
Waterman,  Edwin  535 
Jeremiah  226,  534 
Robert  427 
Waters,  John  76 


556 


Index 


PAGE 
521 

520,   521,  525 


Watson,  Elkanah 

Winslow,  C. 
Weaver,  George  S. 

349.    372,    376,    377, 
408,    410,    424,   470, 
Webster's  book  store 
Weed,  Thurlow 
Weeks,  the  Rev.  Robert 
Welch,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Wells,  Agur     239,  242,  399, 
534 

Abigail 

George  A. 

John 
Wendal's  Hotel 
Wendell,  Philip 

John  L.     278,  279,  280,  281,  535 

Dr.  422 

West  India  Company,  The        17,  18 
West  Indies  18 

Wetmore,  the  Rev.  Robert  G.        134 
Wheaton,  Hon.  Henry  G.      259,  272 


395.  403 
533.  536 
195 
422 
352 
422 
471,  533 

471 
535 
242 

151 

90,  150 


the  Rev.  Dr.  Salmon 
Wheeler,  Wm.  A. 

Mr. 
Wheelock,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Eleazar 
Whipple,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Henry  B. 


187 

434 

289 
106 
328 


White,  the  Rt.  Rev. 

Wm. 

131 

267 

Whitehouse,      the 

Rt. 

Rev. 

John  H. 

254 

Whitlock,  Robert 

530 

Whitney,   Chauncey 

322 

Stephen  B. 

342 

Whittingham,      the 

Rt. 

Rev. 

Wm.  R. 

304 

PAGE 

Wileman,   H.  501 

Wiles,  Thomas  S.  445,  536 

Wilkins,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Isaac  176.  177 
Wilkinson,  the  Rev.  John 

telegraphic  call  and  declina- 
tion of  rectorship  of  St. 
Peter's  340 

Willet,  Edward  195,  534 

Williams,  the  Rev.  Eleazar  230 

the  Rev.  Isaac  286 

«     the  Rt.  Rev.  John    303,  304,  401 
Wilson,  Gilbert  L. 

311,  319,  324.  427,  535 
the  Rev.  Wm.  T. 
ofBciates  in  St.  Peter's  331 

elected  rector  332 

character  of  his  work      334,  335 
sermon    on     the    death    of 

President  Lincoln  337 

resignation  338 

mentioned  390 

Wiscasett,  Me.  235 

WoIIey,  the  Rev.  Charles  30 

Woodman,  the  Rev.  Russell  415,  425 
Woolett,  W.  M.  390 

Woolett  &  Ogden  313 

Wormer,  F.  V.  529 

Wright,  Thomas  273,  535 


Yates,  Hon.  John  V.  N. 

208,  209,  216,  217,  220,  228,  234 

534 
John  W.  235,  239,  243,  534 

P.  W.  135 


BX5920.A3S2H7 

A  history  of  Saint  Peter's  church  in 

Princeton  Theological  Semmary-Speer 


the 


1    1012  00048  3075 


